The Las Vegas Raiders should prioritize adding a right tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, if Micah Parsons happens to be available when they’re on the clock at 17, they should scrape whatever plan they have and take him. In fact, a recent mock draft projects the Silver and Black will draft the Penn State product.
In their latest mock draft, the Bleacher Report scouting department predicts the Raiders will take Parsons with the 17th overall pick. They say they could address other needs in the selection meeting. However, they believe Las Vegas should use their first-round selection to bolster their defense and think that they can’t afford to pass Parsons if he’s available at that point of the draft.
Bleacher Report later highlights the fact Parsons ran a 4.3 40-yard dash and his 245-pound frame. Drafting the Pennsylvania native definitely makes sense for the Raiders. He would immediately defense that is in need of playmakers. On the other hand, the chances of him being available at 17 are slim, as other teams surely covet his playmaking prowess.
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The Raiders would have to hope Micah Parsons slides
There’s no doubt Parsons is one of the most talented and athletic linebackers in the draft. While he needs has good-not-great coverage skills, he’s a dominant pass-rusher and a force against the run. Nevertheless, he would have to slide for Las Vegas to have a shot at taking him, which is unlikely. Also, the team’s brass must perform due diligence in role in a hazing scandal that took place at Penn State in 2018. Coincidentally, if he drops in the draft, it may be because of said scandal.
The Raiders have a glaring need at right tackle after trading Trent Brown this offseason. However, they can’t miss the opportunity to draft an elite linebacker. It’s uncertain whether he will be available when they’re on the clock, but if he is, they need to turn the draft card with his name on it.
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