The Las Vegas Raiders have a few pressing needs heading into the 2021 NFL Draft. You could argue finding a right tackle may be the most important one or maybe a starting safety but one media personality recently made the case for the linebacker position.
Michel Silver of NFL Media recently weighed in on the Raiders’ most pressing needs ahead of the draft. While right tackle may be among the most important ones, he thinks the team needs to get defensive coordinator Gus Bradley a linebacker in the mold of Bobby Wagner, whom he coached back with the Seattle Seahawks. Silver thinks Las Vegas could take a look at EDGE defender Jamin Davis early in the draft. On the other hand, he believes the addition of Yannick Ngakoue should bolster their pass rush. Nevertheless, he adds that a team can never have enough pass-rushers.
They believe the hire of Gus Bradley as the new defensive coordinator is a big deal. Gus Bradley had so much success in Seattle, he needs his Bobby Wagner. Do you look at guys like Jamin Davis early on in the draft? I think you look at edge rushers, Yannick Ngakoue, teaming with Maxx Crosby, gives them a little juice there. I think you look at edge rusher, but you can never have too many.
Silver also points out that the Raiders need to add a safety that can come in and start, possibly a corner and an interior lineman. However, he believes Las Vegas must get Bradley a playmaker at linebacker.
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Should the Raiders go linebacker early in the draft?
The Raiders could certainly use a talented linebacker. Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski, and Nicholas Morrow are all dependable players. However, none of them are blue-chip players and it’s uncertain if any linebacker prospects with a first-round grade will be available when they’re on the clock at 17. Micah Parsons could slide but it’s unlikely. In fact, it’s more likely Nick Bolton and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will be still available. Silver mentioned Jamin Davis but the Kentucky product looks like a mid-round pick.
Also, Christian Darrisaw is available when it’s the Raiders’ time to pick, and wouldn’t make sense to pass him up. On the bright side, the team might have choices with the 17th overall pick. There’s a chance one or two of three best cornerback prospects will be available at 17. Bradley would certainly like to have his own Bobby Wagner. Nevertheless, it may not be possible to get him one in this draft.
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