Once again, the Las Vegas Raiders have had a very eventful offseason. Seemingly, this has become the norm under head coach Jon Gruden. It seems like there was no plan, a real-life version of a Madden franchise mode. Coming into free agency, the Raiders had many holes on defense, filling those seemed like the logical priority.
However, as the offseason dwindles away, the Raiders still have failed to address many key needs. The voluntary depletion of the offensive line, and spending $11 million on a backup running back in Kenyan Drake, have complicated Las Vegas’ offseason plans even more. Even with the splash addition of defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and the depth signings along the defensive line, the defense still lacks play-makers at all levels. Not everything is gloom and doom though, so what are the good news?
The 2021 NFL Player Selection Meeting is yet to occur, and the Raiders have a plethora of chances to continue filling their roster. With their recent draft history, the hope is that general manager Mike Mayock takes Jon Gruden’s laptop away for a few hours and nails this draft. Here is how the Silver and Black can boost their roster into a playoff-caliber group in 2021’s draft.
Here’s how things can unfold for the Raiders on draft night
The Raiders begin this draft with a trade back to pick 27 with the Baltimore Ravens. Adding pick 58 to their draft stock.
Round 1, pick 27 (Via Baltimore) – Greg Newsome II, cornerback, Northwestern
The Raiders used the 19th overall pick on cornerback Damon Arnette last season. That shouldn’t deter them from drafting Greg Newsome II. In a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, drafting defensive backs every year isn’t a bad thing. The Northwestern standout is a far superior prospect than Arnette was last season and offers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley a potential outside corner in a cover 3. Newsome II is a pro-ready corner with good size and athletic traits, and Las Vegas would be lucky to get him in a trade-back scenario.
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