Raiders Post-Combine Mock Draft: Versatility Reigns

The new braintrust of the Las Vegas Raiders departed Indianapolis with a little more statistical information. Additionally, prospects showed what they could accomplish under the glare. Now, the pro days serve as the last event before the draft. Under those circumstances. Below, are the draft picks and the rationale.

Round 1, Pick 22 (WR Chris Olave, Ohio State)

Rationale: The Raiders lacked a competent outside threat with reliable hands and separation. Derek Carr needs another wideout to take the heat off Hunter Renfrow. Not to mention that Olave provides sharp patterns and above-average hands, capable of winning at all three levels of the field. Unlike their previous first-round wideout, Olave is polished, with route nuance

Round 2, Pick 54 (DT, Travis Jones, UConn)

Rationale: If you look at Patrick Graham’s defense with the Giants, he is a fan of large tackles, capable of stuffing the run and crushing the pocket. Granted, most may not see a nose tackle taken this high as a priority. However, Jones’ ability to take up multiple blockers to free up the edge rushers would help the defense get off the field.

Round 3, Pick 86 (CB Cam Taylor-Britt, Nebraska)

Rationale: Listening to GM Dave Ziegler’s interviews tells you that he prefers versatility from his roster. Britt, the Nebraska standout plays a physical game on the boundary with the ability to make tackles without help. Plus, his ability to tackle could see him eventually evolve into a safety. The Raiders currently employ one safety worthy retaining from 2021. For now, Britt could find his way into the scheme based on his aggressive play and ball skills.

Round 4, Pick 124 (T Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan)

Rationale: While most people focused on his college teammate, Bernhard Raimann, Goedeke excelled on the right side, where the Raiders need help. At worst, he sits behind a free agent like Morgan Moses to learn. Meanwhile, the best-case scenario, is that the nasty-dispositioned lineman sees playing time early.

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Round 6, Pick 162 ( S Sterling Weatherford, Miami-OH)

Rationale: With the trade for Russell Wilson, the pressure on AFC West defenses increased. As a result, teams will feature more multiple receiver sets. With this in mind, the Raiders need to bolster their secondary to avoid subpackage breakdowns. Weatherford flashes the ability to stick with tight ends and provide strong, but disciplined run support. Wilson, Mahomes, and Herbert can each break the pocket to gain positive yards. Weatherford could provide a deterrent.

Round 6, Pick 163 (RB Pierre Strong, South Dakota St.)

Rationale: Josh McDaniels wants a diverse running game. Within this roster, Josh Jacobs serves as the hammer. Kenyan Drake provides the burst and pass-catching. Behind them, little to no playmaking. Strong features breakaway speed, surprising contact balance, and the agility to make defenders miss.

Round 7, Pick 223 (G Ben Brown, Ole Miss)

Rationale: The Raiders were among the most penalized, least talented interior offensive lines. More importantly, the lack of depth remains a problem. In Brown, Las Vegas would have a feisty interior lineman with enough athleticism to play either center or tackle.

Bottom Line

The new Las Vegas Raiders, by their words actually appear to have a plan. Versatility seems to be the buzzword, the new mindset that this new braintrust hopes to bring to the fold. Similarly, the offense and defense require chess pieces that will attempt to gain advantages by being flexible in a myriad of situations.