Round 2, pick 48 – Richie Grant, safety, UCF
With their second pick in 2021’s draft, the Raiders go secondary again. This is not a bad formula for a team that was near the bottom of the league in interceptions and passer rating allowed. Grant would immediately step in as the starting free safety for the Raiders alongside Johnathan Abram. The UCF standout is one of the better coverage safeties in the class and is a good value at 48.
Round 2, pick 58 (Via Baltimore) – Brady Christensen, offensive tackle, BYU
After passing on the tackle position with their first two picks, the Raiders land a prospect that fits what they do. Brady Christensen spent his 2020 college season protecting the blindside of quarterback Zach Wilson. He allowed only one sack on the season and earned first-team All-American honors. He’s versatile and hits a lot of the athletic threshold that offensive line coach Tom Cable prefers. Even if Las Vegas rolls with current projected starter Brandon Parker at right tackle, Christensen offers flexibility at the position.
Round 3, pick 79 – Milton Williams, defensive tackle, Louisiana Tech
Keeping the annual tradition of taking an interior defensive lineman a little too high going, the Raiders select Milton Williams. All jokes aside, this is actually a good pick. His biggest question is his actual position in the NFL, some believe it’s at strong end and some believe he will excel as a 3-tech. Regardless the athletic upside along with ten sacks in two seasons is worth a flier in round three. The Raiders added some beef to the defensive line in free agency, but they don’t have any defensive tackles under contract for 2022, this pick makes sense.
Round 3, pick 80 – Kendrick Green, guard, Illinois
After gutting the offensive line this offseason the Raiders add another guard to the mix. Green is another explosive, versatile offensive lineman to add to Cables’ toolbox. His quick get-off is ideal for the outside-zone running scheme the Raiders want to run, which is one of the reasons they gutted the line in the first place. Green might be available later than pick 80, but the Raiders are prone to getting their guys a bit early.
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