There’s plenty of mock scenarios floating around with the NFL draft quickly approaching in a few weeks. One such scenario would have the Las Vegas Raiders selecting the brother of an infamous draft pick from the previous decade.
As the draft inches closer, Las Vegas still requires help defensively. The team’s brass was busy retooling the defensive line this past free agency period, most notably, the signing of upper-tier pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue made waves across the NFL. Unfortunately, there are still some deficiencies within Gus Bradley’s defense, mainly in the backfield. The team could also keep upgrading its pass rush, something that’ll be key in 2021, and they do just that in a recent scenario.
Brad Crawford of 247 Sports recently presented a two-round, 32-team mock draft. While Raiders need add defensive talent often and early, they also have a gaping hole at right tackle. Nevertheless, Crawford sees the Raiders picking up a linebacker/pass rusher hybrid and a cornerback with their first couple selections.
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Latest Raiders’ Two Round Mock Scenario
- No. 17 Zaven Collins, Edge, Tulsa
- No. 48 Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
Yes, you read that right, it is Obi Melifonwu’s younger brother, Ifeatu. Many fans will recall Obi as one of the Raiders’ worst draft picks of the past decade. A classic example of former general manager Reggie McKenzie overreaching for players. As for the younger Melifonwu, he had an impressive 2020 campaign for the Syracuse Orange. He was graded 78.8 overall by Pro Football Focus, with an impressive 79.3 coverage to boot. In said coverage, the Syracuse product totaled one interception, six passes defensed, one sack, and three tackles for a loss in 10 games last year.
Collins, a player several mocks have going to the Raiders, would be a nice addition to Bradley’s front seven. At Tulsa, he accumulated four sacks, seven and a half tackles for a loss, four interceptions, and two passes defensed. Additionally, he forced two fumbles and recovered one. PFF grades Collins 90.5 overall with an impressive 90.6 pass-rush grade as well. Showing that he’s more than just a pass rusher, Collins was recognized with a 93.0 coverage grade.
Putting aside his last name, Melifonwu would be a nice addition in the second round. If this scenario were to pan out, the Raiders could use one or both of their third-round selections on tackles. Regardless, what are your thoughts, Raider Nation? Do Collins and Melifonwu sound like a good early haul for Las Vegas?
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*Top Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press