There is no doubt what the Las Vegas Raiders need to try to accomplish in the first round of the April 2021 draft.
Raiders, who have choice # 17, desperately need defensive impact players, especially on the defensive line. Ideally, Raiders will leave the first round with a rusher top pass that can begin to transform the defense.
When he was hired earlier this month, Las Vegas’ new defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, said he wanted to build the unit from the front to the back. So, this is a great clue where the Raiders will be looking to add impact for the 2021 season.
Using NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah mock draft (things are going to change in the next three months), it looks like Raiders may just miss out on the best pass rushers in this draft. The most important player in Jeremiah’s simulation is Gregory Rosseau, from Miami, who goes to 14th place for the Minnesota Vikings, and he has passing colleague Jaelan Phillips, who goes to the Arizona Cardinals, a choice ahead of the Raiders, which goes to No. 16. If these are the two top pass-rushers, the Raiders need to try to get one of them.
According to Jeremiah, the biggest defensive talent is in the cornerback. The Raiders have invested so much in the draft for that position that they probably will not place a bet on the main talent there.
But if the Raiders can make a switch to make a small leap into the 13-16 range, it can be a smart move.
At No. 17, there are no right things and Raiders need to score with this choice. Therefore, a small change to Rousseau or Phillips may be something to consider.