2021 NFL Draft: Jets, Panthers fill QB need in three-round mock draft
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 21st overall
EDGE. player. 28. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 21. Texas. Joseph Ossai
The Raiders found an opportunity to trade down and accumulate more picks earlier in this mock draft and now find themselves in a position to fill a position of need by taking a player at a strong value.
Clelin Ferrell has been a bust for the Raiders thus far and should not be a major part of their plans going forward. The Raiders should not completely give up on the young defensive end, but they need more production out of the position, especially in their new defensive under the direction of Gus Bradley. Bradley believes in getting pressure on the quarterback without using the blitz so improving the defensive line is a must for Mike Mayock and company this offseason.
After trading down to No. 21, the Raiders make the defensive line a priority with the selection of Joseph Ossai out of Texas. Ossai played both off-ball linebacker and edge rusher at Texas, but his future should be on the edge. He is an extremely long and athletic prospect who gets off of the ball quickly and attacks the quarterback in an instant.
Ossai also shows extremely strong hands and does a great job of setting the edge when asked to do so. On top of that, the Texas product is an extremely hard-nosed and high-motor player who is going to do everything that he can to make a play on the ball carrier. Ossai is certainly a bit of a raw prospect, but he has exciting upside at the next level and would be a great fit for the Raiders at an extremely important position of need.