Top 2021 NFL Draft needs for the Las Vegas Raiders
Taking a look at the top 2021 NFL Draft needs for the Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders had a chance to be a surprising contender in the AFC this season but their defense held them back over and over again. The Raiders struggled to stop teams on the ground and through the air, allowing 29.9 points per game, the third-most in the entire NFL. They also had the fifth-worst defense in the league, according to defensive DVOA.
Derek Carr and company were able to put points on the board on a relatively consistent basis, scoring 27.1 points per contest, the 10th-most in the NFL. Carr had a great season, Josh Jacobs established himself as a premier franchise back and the Raiders had plenty of exciting playmakers in the passing game. Make no mistake about it, this offense is on the right track and could lead this team to some significant success in the near future.
As we look ahead to the offseason, we want to understand which positions that the Raiders need the most help at going forward. They could do not have a ton of room under the cap to make much noise in free agency so a majority of their improvements will likely come through the 2021 NFL draft.
Where do the Las Vegas Raiders need the most help? Let’s take a look at their top positions of need in the 2021 NFL Draft.
1. Defensive Line
The Las Vegas Raiders struggled to put any sort of consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback this season and that was a major reason for their defensive struggles. Las Vegas only sacked the quarterback 21 times throughout the entire year, the fourth-fewest sack total of any team in the NFL.
New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley strongly believes in rushing with only four players. allowing his back seven to drop back into coverage. In order for the Raiders to be successful defensively under Bradley, they need to improve their ability to rush the passer up front.
Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell are an interesting duo at the defensive end position but Ferrell’s ability to make an impact as a pass rusher has been limited. Do not be surprised to see Las Vegas take a defensive end who can attack the quarterback early in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Raiders would also be wise to look for an interior defensive lineman or two who can rush the quarterback.