When the Las Vegas Raiders begin their draft, it officially brings to close an ear, while beginning a new chapter. the crop of young talent represents the initial group of homegrown talent in Las Vegas. With that lofty standard to live up up to, how will the Raiders begin the Nevada? While Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden play things rather close to the vest, here is a reasonable estimation of what they may attempt to accomplish for those three days.
Draft Needs
The Las Vegas Raiders sit far behind the Kansas City Chiefs and make no mistake, the gap remains far. While the team is not rebuilding, they sit outside of contender status.
Wide Receiver
The Raiders lack a go-to wideout. Granted Hunter Renfrow makes a nice third-down target, he isn’t a foundation piece. Meanwhile, Tyrell Williams stands as the lone outside threat. As a result, the team looks desperate to provide a dynamic playmaker to the group. In 2019, Hunter Renfrow stood alone as the only receiver to tally over 200 yards after the catch.
Cornerback
Trayvon Mullen looks solid as the starting corner on one side. On the other side, uncertainty reigns. The Raiders tried to sign Eli Apple. Luckily, that fell through. Now, the team needs a starting-caliber corner to lock down the side opposite to Mullen. Corners surrendered thirteen touchdowns last year.
Running Back
Now that DeAndre Washington signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Silver and Black need a quality backup to Josh Jacobs. In observing Gruden, he seeks a bruiser that will spell Jacobs.
Mock Drafts
During the interminable offseason, we’ve offered a few mock drafts, depending on circumstance. From pre-combine to after, through free agency. Here is the last one.
Perfect Scenario
In an ideal situation, the Raiders accomplish every goal and secure every talent they seek. First, nab one of the the top wideouts, either Jeudy, Lamb, or Ruggs. Next, with their second pick on opening night, trade down. Teams salivate, in order to procure a first round pick. In addition, Mayock desperately seeks a second round pick. With maneuvering, they can fill three starting spots, bolster depth, claw their way into the season with hope.
Nightmare Scenario
Basically, this boils down to Mike Mayock. Everyone knows that Jon Gruden calls the shots. In fact, Mayock said this here. Mike Mayock needs to bang the table for quality talent. Jon Gruden owns an absolutely abysmal draft history. if he goes unchecked, the Las Vegas Raiders will fail this week. Gruden will impose his will. If he becomes overbearing about it, look for weird picks and reaches.
Key Players
In building a competent roster, the Las Vegas Raiders can’t parlay their draft picks into quality. Below, players to watch.
