2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders dueling 7-round mock drafts
S. Georgia. RichardLeCounte III. 121. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 28. player
If Gus Bradley sees Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah as someone comparable to Derwin James because of his unique versatility, the Raiders would have room for an experienced free safety on the back end.
When Owusu-Koramoah lines up in the slot, as a nickel linebacker or goes for a shot at the quarterback, Richard LeCounte III could line up at free safety.
LeCounte isn’t the most reliable tackler in the open field, so he’s best-suited in the single high spot where his range and ball-hawking tendencies become assets. He recorded eight interceptions over the last three campaigns.
The Georgia product covers a lot of ground on the back end and gives up few big plays over the top. As a team captain, he earned respect in the Bulldogs’ locker room.
Writer’s Pick: S Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech
As previously mentioned, the Raiders only have one safety under contract beyond the 2021 season. They must add reinforcements at the position.
Going along with the writer’s picks, Divine Deablo would be the second safety after Richie Grant selected in the Raiders’ draft haul. They’re very different players.
Grant has an average athletic profile while Deablo comes into the league with 4.44-second 40-yard speed and a chiseled 6’3″, 226-pound frame.
Because of Deablo’s size, he could see snaps at linebacker, though he’s quick enough to survive at safety closer to the line of scrimmage. The Virginia Tech product isn’t an out-of-control hitter, which is what we’ve seen from Johnathan Abram. He picks his spots and attacks the ball. Deablo picked off four passes in 2020. With a wide receiver background, the big-bodied safety understands route concepts.