Las Vegas Raiders 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft: Swinging for the fences
IOL. Michigan. 3. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 811. Cesar Ruiz
The interior offensive line is not a massive immediate need for the Raiders, but it is a position to keep an eye on. On paper, their starting interior trio of Richie Incognito, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson is strong, but they could certainly use some youth at the position. Plus, Jackson could be an easy salary cap casualty for the team if it is needed.
With their final third-round pick, the Raiders bring in Cesar Ruiz, the starting center for Michigan the last two seasons. Ruiz shows an impressive combination of power and athleticism up front and is a particularly strong pass protector on the interior. Ruiz primarily played center in college but did play some guard as well. He should be able to handle all three interior positions at the next level and would be a great depth piece for the Raiders.
Pick Analysis. Notre Dame. player. Scouting Report. EDGE. Khalid Kareem. 4. 443
Khalid Kareem is not the most athletic player on the edge, but he is a hard-nosed and productive player who consistently gets the most out of his abilities. Kareem has great length, is incredibly strong at the point of attack and is always playing with a high motor. He is an extremely tough player who consistently holds his own against the run and can create some pressure on the passer from the edge.
Kareem feels like a guy who Gruden is going to fall in love with. He lives for these tough and physical guys who give their all and despite his lack of natural athleticism, I expect Kareem to continue to be productive at the next level.
Pick Analysis. player. 850. Scouting Report. LB. South Carolina. T.J. Brunson. 7
With their final pick of this mock draft, the Raiders find another defensive grinder for Gruden to work with. T.J. Brunson is an extremely tough and physical linebacker prospect who always seems to find his way around the ball. Brunson plays with an extremely high motor and his competitive toughness is off of the charts.
Next. First-Round 2020 NFL mock draft. dark
He is a bit of a smaller linebacker prospect and is not a great natural athlete, but he is an extremely smart and instinctual player who can hold his own against the run and also create pressure on the quarterback as a blitzer. Brunson would be a great guy for the Raiders to have around and could help fill a position of need for the team. He would be a nice selection for them in the seventh round.