Las Vegas Raiders dodged a bullet with Denver passing on a QB

With two quarterbacks on the board, the Denver Broncos decided to pass, and it is a decision that benefits the Las Vegas Raiders in a big way.

The Las Vegas Raiders dodged a bullet as the Denver Broncos drafted cornerback Patrick Surtain II in the 2021 NFL Draft, even with Mac Jones and Justin Fields left on the board.

The Raiders are looking to compete for the AFC West against the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Broncos bolstered their defense with the 9th overall pick. Las Vegas dodges a bullet though, as the Broncos are a decent quarterback away from being a competitive team in the AFC West.

The offenses in the AFC West already have two elite young quarterbacks in Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes, so the Broncos passing on a signal-caller means more Drew Lock in 2021. While Surtain is a great player, the Broncos staying with Lock is big news for the Silver and Black, who have had his number since he became the team’s starter.

Denver is going to be solid on defense with the addition of Surtain, who many felt was the top cornerback in this draft class. They have already picked up Von Miller’s option, and Bradley Chubb and Shelby Harris will be back at the heart of the defense once again this upcoming season. Also, Justin Simmons was brought back, giving the Broncos depth in the secondary.

The Raiders are attempting to bolster their defense this offseason, as they were one of the worst not only in the NFL last year, but historically as well. Other teams in the AFC West are looking to stop Patrick Mahomes and the powerhouse that is the Chiefs, and if there is one thing Raiders fans can celebrate, it’s that the Chiefs traded away their first-round pick and won’t have a pick until tomorrow night.

2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the Las Vegas Raiders draft needs

With the draft just days away, the Raiders have plenty of holes on their roster, and will have a number of players and positions to pick from in round one.

During this year’s draft, the Raiders should look to find some pass-rushers and some players to bolster that defense. Edge and secondary are the biggest priorities for the Raiders and the Broncos, by taking a secondary player, have helped the Raiders dodge a bullet in this draft.