2020 Raiders Mock Draft: Last One

In three days, the Las Vegas Raiders begin their new era in the desert from the safety of homes. With the pandemic forcing people inside, the draft will occur via teleconference.The Raiders are still chasing the Kansas City Chiefs and feel the Chargers and Broncos in the distance.

Trades

For this mock draft, the Raiders made two trades. Las Vegas sent the 19^th overall pick to the Indianapolis Colts. In return, the receive the 34^th, 44^th, and 197^th selections. Mike Mayock wants to get into the second round. As a result, netting two second rounders would achieve that goal. Next, the Raiders shipped the 91^st overall to Minnesota. The Vikings send the 108^th and 155^th picks to Las Vegas.

Round 1, 12^th overall (Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn)

Rationale: With the arrival of Rod Marinelli to coach, the line needs a bit more punch. The former Auburn standout gives the Raiders another interior threat that will give Clelin Ferrell a chance to shine. Either Mo Hurst or PJ Hall should worry.

Round 2, 34^th overall (Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State)

Rationale: Derek Carr needs a go-to wideout, Tyrell Williams resides as the intermediate to deep threat. Meanwhile, the Raiders select Aiyuk as their high volume wideout and Number Four’s best friend.

Round 2, 44^th overall (Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State)

Rationale: Mayock and by extension, Gruden prefers players that thrive in pressure situations. Dantzler stared down the LSU receivers and shut them down. Dantzler brings that confidence, agility, and cover skills to Las Vegas.

Round 3, 80^th overall (Zack Moss, RB, Utah)

Rationale: Behind Josh Jacobs, the Raiders like a bruising back up to absorb carries and spell the workhorse. Moss’ brand of violence will make Gruden smile. While he flashes some nimbleness and ability to elude, Moss loves to plow over defenders.

Round 3, 81^st overall (Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State)

Rationale: By signing Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton, the Raiders attacked their issues at linebacker. Yet, in a 4-3 base, they still need to finally develop a linebacker. Harrison plays better downhill, stout versus the run and offering pass rush ability as a blitzer.

Round 3, 91^st overall (Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty)

Rationale: With Aiyuk, the Raiders solve their issues opposite of Tyrell Williams. In AGG, they double-dip at receiver. The productive college wideout gives the quarterback the vast catch radius and sneaky speed that should eventually supplant Williams in the future.

Round 4, 121^st overall (Alex Highsmith, DE, Charlotte)

Rationale: Arden Key should be all out of chances. He can’t continue to keep a spot. If he does, he needs to fight for snaps with Highsmith. Unlike Key, Highsmith arrives with a full arsenal of pass rush moves that allow him to unleash them, regardless of situation.

Round 5, 159^th overall (Tanner Muse, S, Clemson)

Rationale: Gruden and Mayock love Clemson athletes. Granted, Isaiah Simmons will be long gone and they should steer clear of Tee Higgins. However, the versatile Muse will start on special teams, and should rise up the depth chart as a hybrid. His size could see him operate in the box. On the other hand, the straight-line speed could see him thrive in limited coverage.

Round 6, 187^th overall (Casey Toohill, LB, Clemson)

Rationale: The Raiders need all the burst from the front seven they can find. In Toohill, they could find a tweener that could see reps as strictly a pass rush specialist. Toohill excels bearing down on the quarterback. Paul Guenther could find a home.