Las Vegas Raiders: 3 bold, early defensive predictions for 2021
By Brad Weiss
![EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders defeated the Jets 31-28. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders defeated the Jets 31-28. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1291856684-850x560-ca555bda4f8e0f7d0d0eb54bed32cdf76314f1ffb40995592c0c4cd9fe042b94.jpg)
Las Vegas Raiders: 3 bold, early defensive predictions for 2021
No. 3: 2019 Class takes a big step forward
The 2019 draft class for the then-Oakland Raiders was supposed to be one that would take this franchise in the right direction. After a four-win 2018 season, the Raiders held three first-round picks, this after trading away both Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper.
However, the 2019 class has struggled in their first two seasons, whether it has been due to injury, or just inconsistent play. Sure, Maxx Crosby has been outstanding on the defensive side of the ball, and Trayvon Mullen is solid, but for the most part, they need more production in Year 3.
Getting huge production out of Mullen, Crosby, Abram, and Ferrell would be huge for this Raiders franchise not only in 2021 but in the long term as well. The franchise had a lot of draft assets in that 2019 NFL Draft, and so far, the return has been minimal on the defensive side of the ball, so hopefully, that changes this season.