Las Vegas Raiders find impact starters in this 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft
By Ian Higgins
Round 3
80. 28. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Solomon Kindley. G. Georgia. player
Projected Starters: Gabe Jackson, Lester Cotton Sr.
With a power-running game that has become one of the most established in the NFL after a single season behind rookie phenom Josh Jacobs, it would be sensible to add another physical presence to the interior of the offensive line.
Solomon Kindley proved to be the powerful blocker NFL teams love on the inside while blocking for D’Andre Swift at Georgia. He also showcased quick feet and solid hand-placement against the interior pass-rush. Some teams hold concerns about his current weight (335 pounds), but this should not be a concern for a guard who moved as well as Kindley did in 2019.
NC State. player. 28. Pick Analysis. DT. Larrell Murchison. 81. Scouting Report
*Via CHI
Projected Starters: Johnathan Hankins, Maliek Collins
A versatile three-technique defensive tackle, Larrell Murchison was a spark-plug interior defensive lineman for the wolfpack and created opportunities against the run as well as in the pass-rush.
Murchison uses a combination of physicality and respectable hand-placement to outwork blockers to the football and chase down the ball carrier. He continually works to shed his blockers in an effort for a second-chance tackle and plays physically when in the vicinity of the quarterback. Murchison will be a viable rotational piece in Las Vegas’ 4-3 defensive front and will do his best work on first and second down.
Oregon. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. ILB. Troy Dye. 91. 28
*Via SEA
Projected Starters: Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski, Nicholas Morrow
After lacking the linebacking depth to stay competitive after the inevitable loss of Vontaze Burfict to suspension, the Las Vegas Raiders needed to fill those holes with free-agent acquisitions and a rookie selection in the 2020 NFL draft. The signings of Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski give Las Vegas two pieces to place alongside Morrow in the starting unit, but another younger piece would be preferable behind these three to add needed depth.
Troy Dye is an adequately sized interior linebacker who fits perfectly into a 4-3 front. His tenacious pursuit of the football gives him the ability to shoot gaps and make plays on the ball, and his fluid motion and footwork make him a candidate for underneath zone coverage in either a Cover 2 or Robber-Man coverage scheme.