The Las Vegas Raiders are slated to pick defensive lineman, Christian Barmore, in a recent NFL mock draft Pro Football Focus released.
Mock season is upon us and many media outlets have already begun releasing 2021 NFL Draft scenarios. Most recently, Pro Football Focus came up with a mock draft that presented an interesting path for the Raiders. PFF predicts the Silver and Black won’t pick in the top ten, which is an encouraging sign. The Raiders shouldn’t be in the top ten next year unless the team completely falls apart in the coming weeks. However, that is an unlikely scenario when you look at how good quarterback Derek Carr is playing.
On top of that, if last Sunday’s any indication, it looks like the running game has arrived. As of right now, PFF has Las Vegas picking number 17 at next year’s draft. Let’s take a look at whom head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock might pick up.
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Raiders pick Christian Barmore, defensive lineman from Alabama
Keeping in with the recent theme of picking from the Crimson Tide, the Raiders select Christian Barmore. The fact that they are going defensive line shows that key positions on offense are in good shape. The team’s brass should have no need to invest a first or second-round pick at quarterback, running back, tight end, or wide receiver. The only exception as far as offense goes is the offensive line.
Speaking of trenches, their defensive line has been mostly bad in 2020. Maxx Crosby can only do so much and Clelin Ferrell, well he’s doing his best to generate pressure. Barmore, according to PFF, could help, ‘He’s earned an 81.5 pass-rushing grade through five games after a knee injury and has 13 pressures on the season.’
Jordan Reid of The Draft Network recently broke down Barmore’s versatility, something the Raiders could use next year. ‘He has the versatility to play 1 or 3-technique in an even front, but he’s spent most of his time as a base 4i/4-technique in Alabama’s odd front. This is a prospect that’s only scratching the surface of what he could become and with an expanded role in 2020, it shouldn’t be surprising to see him skyrocket up draft boards.’
Unless the Raiders’ defensive line suddenly explodes these coming games, the unit will be a priority next year. The free-agent picks up this year have done little to solve the unit’s lack of pressure. Perhaps someone of the caliber of Barmore can help.
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