Las Vegas Raiders find value by trading down in 7-round NFL mock draft

Las Vegas Raiders 2021 NFL mock draft: Round 3, 80th overall

Just one single pick after solidifying their offensive line, the Las Vegas Raiders make another play to improve their defensive line mix. After surprisingly cutting Maurice Hurst earlier this month, the Raiders certainly have a need for some impact talent on the interior defensive line. Daviyon Nixon stands out as a great value pick in this range and would undoubtedly help fill a major position of need for the team.

Nixon is a quick and explosive interior rusher who shines when he is allowed to attack as a one-gap penetrator. With an impressive combination of quickness and power, Nixon has exciting big-play ability up front. He has major upside as an interior pass rusher and can shoot the gaps and make plays in the backfield as a run defender. In Nixon, the Raiders find a talented player who could come in and make an immediate impact for this team.

Las Vegas Raiders 2021 NFL mock draft: Round 3, 87th overall

Make no mistake about it, the Raiders’ defense is a mess and needs a ton of work across all positions. The Raiders should continue to hammer away at these defensive needs throughout the draft and they do so here with the selection of Paulson Adebo.

Adebo is not the most physically impressive cornerback prospect around. He has nice size at the position and displays solid speed and quickness. While Adebo is not overly explosive, he is a smooth mover in space who attacks the ball in the air well. Most importantly, Adebo shows impressive instincts in zone coverage, understanding how to be in a good position to defend opposing receivers and consistently take care of his responsibilities.

Adebo is never going to grow into a lock-down cornerback on the outside. That being said, he is a solid defensive back prospect who could certainly make an immediate impact for a team like the Raiders.