Las Vegas Raiders early 2021 NFL mock draft: Getting QB of the future

The Las Vegas Raiders land a quarterback of the future in this early 2021 mock draft.

While the era in Oakland ended with the team falling flat, a new era beckons as the team moves into Allegiant Stadium and become the Las Vegas Raiders. Head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock have made drastic adjustments to the team in the past couple of years, and it started back with trading away pass rusher Khalil Mack for multiple first-round selections. Then, they shipped out Amari Cooper to Dallas for another first.

In the 2019 NFL Draft, with three total first-round picks, the Raiders selected Clelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs, and Johnathan Abram to start the rebuild. They also landed a late-round stud in Maxx Crosby, who balled out in his rookie campaign.

Earlier this year, in free agency, the Raiders made significant upgrades to the linebacker position, adding both Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkowski to help out the front seven. Vegas recently traded for Raekwon McMillan as well. They also brought in Maliek Collins to help out the defensive front.

The 2020 draft was a testament to adding more offensive weapons and beefing up the secondary. Las Vegas selected Henry Ruggs III as the first receiver off the board, then Ohio State corner Damon Arnette at 19 overall. In the third round, Vegas added versatile weapon Lynn Bowden Jr. and underrated wide receiver Bryan Edwards.

One question remains. Is the current group enough to put the Raiders over the top to contend for the playoffs and make some noise? It will fall on quarterback Derek Carr and what hopes to be an improved defense.

If not, things could change. Let’s take a look at an early 2021 mock draft for the Las Vegas Raiders.