Las Vegas Raiders review: Grading the 2021 draft class
By Nico Di Fede
Round 3, Pick 80: Divine Deablo, LB/S
Divine Deablo was a guy that I didn’t know much about at the time of the pick but really liked after watching his tape.
Deablo came into college as a receiver but switched to safety after his freshman season.
At 6’3 Deablo had great size as a safety and speed too, running a 4.46 at his pro-day. But while he may have a great athletic profile, his height limits his quickness and Deablo lacked adequate stop-and-go and recovery speed to be a true cover safety in the NFL and was therefore projected to be either a full-time LB or a big safety that plays close to the line at the next level.
Well, the Raiders decided to transition him to linebacker and after 12 weeks of sparse playing time (outside of week 3 against the Dolphins) he was thrust into the starting lineup against Washington following an injury to Cory Littleton.
After an impressive debut, Deablo was to remain the starter for the remainder of the season, and during that span, he looked to be one of the better picks made during the draft for the Raiders.
With sideline to sideline speed allowing him to chase down backs and the ability to cover even receivers in man at times, Deablo showed the traits he was drafted for and seems to be of the crop of the new age former safety turned linebackers every defense is looking for nowadays.
He does have a lot to clean up still, of course. His play recognition and strength at the point of attack need to improve, and he does need to be more aware while in coverage. But as a 3rd rounder, he seems to have been a good selection thus far.
- Performance Grade: B
- Pick Grade: B+