Las Vegas Raiders quick reaction NFL Grades 2021: Divine Deablo
By Brad Weiss
With the 80th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Divine Deablo from Virginia Tech. Here is our quick reaction grade.
After selecting an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders obviously went into Day 2 thinking about their defense. Alex Leatherwood was picked at No. 17 overall and fills the void left by Trent Brown at right tackle, and it enabled Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden to go defense with all three Day 3 picks.
Luckily for the Raiders, they held an early pick at No. 48, which they moved up to 43 to get Trevon Moehrig, an outstanding safety. They then picked at No. 79 and 80 in the third round, and after getting Malcolm Koonce, an edge rusher at No. 79, Divine Deablo was the selection at pick No. 80.
Why the pick makes sense for the Raiders
The pick makes sense for the Raiders because they needed help in the defensive backfield, and they made it a priority on Day 2. Divine is listed as a safety in this draft class, but he played some linebacker at the Senior Bowl and could end up being a hybrid-type player at the next level.
He has solid coverage skills, had over 200 tackles at Virginia Tech, and after beginning his career as a wide receiver, rounded out to be one of the better defensive backs in the ACC. He has earned everything he has gotten and is the kind of character guy that Mayock loves.
How he fits and overall grade
Deablo is a nice fit for this Raiders team because he checks off all the boxes for Mike Mayock, and he is a versatile player that Las Vegas can use all over the field. He could actually end up being a monster on special teams for the Silver and Black while working into the rotation at the safety spot.
Next. Raiders quick reaction grade: Trevon Moehrig. dark
With this pick, you have to wonder what the real deal is with Johnathan Abram. The Raiders have made it a point to get better at the safety position, and it could be a situation where Joseph and Moehrig start, and Deablo, Abram, and Heath are depth guys. That is purely speculation, but definitely, something to think about heading into the summer.