With the NFL coming up it is time for the Las Vegas Raiders mock draft. The Raiders come into the 2021 NFL Draft with six picks. In the last couple of years, the Raiders have done a decent job added talent and depth. Now they just need that talent to develop on the field. Look for the Raiders to go heavy on defense in this year’s draft because their defense has not been very good over the last decade. Here is the 2021 Raiders mock draft.
Raiders Mock Draft
Round 1 | Kwity Paye | DE | Michigan
The Raiders pass rush has struggled in the last couple of years since they traded Khalil Mack. Last season Las Vegas only complied 21 sacks on the season, making them one of the worst in the league. With their first pick in the first round, I have Las Vegas taking Kwity Paye from Michigan in the Raiders mock draft.
Paye has good speed and athleticism, and he had 11.5 sacks in four years at Michigan. The defensive end only played four games but still managed to get 22 pressures and an 87.1 pass-rush grade. At 270 pounds, you won’t see many guys that size with Paye’s athleticism. To be successful in the NFL, Paye will have to fine-tune his technique.
Round 2 | Jevon Holland | S | Oregon
Another position on the defense the Raiders need help at is the safety position. Jevon Holland could be a fantastic addition to the Raiders’ secondary. He has good ball skills and is versatile. Holland could play deep safety as well as slot cornerback.
The safety could fit well in Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 defense, playing the deep third. Holland is a decent athlete and has the nose for the ball, which the Raiders need.
Round 3 | Jabril Cox | LB | LSU
With Nicholas Morrow being a free agent and uncertainty of his return, Jabril Cox could be a massive addition in the third round. Even if Morrow re-signs, Cox could still be drafted for depth purposes. Cox is good in cover zone and man. Linebackers that can cover is something the Raiders lacked for years. Cox is also a decent run defender with good closing speed. The former LSU linebacker has the potential to develop into a solid starter in the NFL. He’s a solid selection in this Raiders mock draft.
Round 4 | Ben Cleveland | OG | Georgia
Gabe Jackson and Richie Incognito were just released from the Raiders. Incognito could return for less money, but Jackson is gone. With an opening at right guard, the Raiders could look to Ben Cleveland to fill the role. Cleveland is an outstanding run blocker. He would fit well in Jon Gruden’s power running game. Cleveland is not a great athlete and sometimes struggles in pass protection, but the Raiders do a good job coaching up lineman, so Cleveland would be a great pick in the fourth round.
Round 5 | Alim McNeill | DT | NC State
Alim McNeill could be a value pick in the fifth round for the Raiders, as he is a good run defender with powerful and strong hands. McNeill does great eating up blocks. As a sophomore, he posted 7.5 sacks, so pass rush ability is there as well. The good thing about McNeill is that he plays with a high motor, which is something the Raiders could use for a defensive tackle. He has the potential to be a solid late-round pick, which is why I have him selected here in the Raiders mock draft.
Round 7 | Chris Evans | RB | Michigan
With the last pick of the Raiders mock draft, Las Vegas could take a running back. Back up running back Devontae Booker is a free-agent, and Chris Evans could help fill that role. Anyone drafted in the seventh round is fighting for a roster spot, but Evans is very talented. In four years at Michigan, he rushed for 1,795 yards. Evans is shifty, athletic, and can flex out as a receiver. He missed time last year due to academic reasons, however, Evans could be a huge steal in the seventh round.
This Raiders mock draft shows what Las Vegas could look like if they go heavy defense in the NFL draft. Las Vegas needs major upgrades on defense, so it would be wise to go heavy on that side of the ball.
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