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2021 NFL Draft: Grading how the Las Vegas Raiders addressed their needs

By Connor Kurpat

Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden (left) and general manager Mike Mayock walk off the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden (left) and general manager Mike Mayock walk off the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Raiders Alex Leatherwood. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Raiders Alex Leatherwood. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2021 NFL Draft: Grading how the Las Vegas Raiders addressed their needs

Need Addressed: Offensive Line:

With their first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Gruden and Mayock went out and got Alabama offensive tackle and projected second-rounder Alex Leatherwood. Analysts and fans alike questioned the move, as the higher-ranked Christian Darrisaw and Teven Jenkins were still on the board.

We should know by now, though, that Mayock and Gruden don’t really care what the experts or fans have to say about their picks. What they do care about is that they get a guy that they believe is a grinder, has good character, can produce at a high level, and fits their system.

Leatherwood, who can be considered the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft, checks all of those boxes. He should be able to step in right from the jump and make an impact. And, like Kolton Miller, don’t be surprised if it takes time for him to be a polished, elite offensive tackle. He has all of the size and speed to succeed in this league, he just has to figure out how to use it.

Also, Las Vegas drafted center Jimmy Morrissey with their final pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Morrissey is another one of those high character guys that have all of the makings of a Gruden Grinder. He went from being a walk-on at Pitt to being a team captain and an All-ACC center. If he is given time to learn and grow, he could end up being a really good depth piece for Las Vegas.

Grade: B

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