Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 Draft class mid-season Report Card

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 17: Cornerback Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders defends on the field during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 17, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 17: Cornerback Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders defends on the field during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 17, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 10: General manager Mike Mayock of the Las Vegas Raiders talks to people on a sideline before a game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

The 2021 draft experience was a lot similar to 2020, with the Las Vegas Raiders seemingly not following the tide and making some surprising picks early.

Most sites, talking heads, analysts, etc. gave the team average to poor grades following the draft, but we all know that means practically nothing once the players hit the field.

With Jon Gruden out as head coach, the final decision-maker come draft time is unknown, so how well this draft class turns out may or may not have any indication on what to expect from the future.

If the next head coach allows Mayock to have the final say like a true GM, then it may. However, Mayock hasn’t had the final say during his tenure with the Raiders, so good or bad picks could be a product of Gruden or Mayock, we have no way of truly knowing.

Either way, we are halfway through the 2021 season and while it is obviously far too early to truly grade the draft class, discussion can be had and preliminary grades can be given based on what they have done thus far.

So with that being said, let us see how the 2021 rookie class has fared through eight games.