2021 NFL Draft: Recap and analysis of every pick for all 32 teams
Pick Analysis. AFC West. . Las Vegas Raiders. . player. Scouting Report. 28
1 (17): Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
The Raiders perhaps feared another team moving up to get Leatherwood, or perhaps they just didn’t want to wait until their second-round pick to get him. It’s hard to argue Leatherwood’s first-round merit based on his resumé at Alabama, which included productive time starting at both left tackle and right guard.
For the Raiders, Leatherwood is likely to be the day one starting right tackle.
2 (43): Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
Based on how it seemed things would go prior to the draft, Trevon Moehrig looks like one of the top steals of the draft, especially by comparison to the Raiders’ picking Alex Leatherwood in the first round.
Moehrig was the Thorpe Award winner this past year as the nation’s top defensive back and while he’s not a traditional safety and more of a nickel/dime type, he has range to play on the back end and make plays on the ball consistently.
3 (79): Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Buffalo
The Raiders saw a top-80 player in Malcolm Koonce while others saw a late day three pick. We’ll see how this works out, but there’s no question that Las Vegas needed to boost their pass rush.
The powerful Koonce had 18 sacks in four seasons at Buffalo.
3 (80): Divine Deablo, S/LB, Virginia Tech
A safety/linebacker hybrid type of player, Deablo has impressive athleticism and talent. The Raiders are perhaps hoping that Deablo, in Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme, can play the Kam Chancellor or Derwin James role.
4 (143): Tyree Gillespie, S, Missouri
With three out of their last four picks coming at the safety position, many were wondering what the Raiders were doing at this point. The Raiders got an up-close look at Gillespie at the Missouri pro day, so they obviously like this kid and his traits. Over the last two seasons, he had 96 tackles and 11 passes broken up.
5 (167): Nate Hobbs, CB, Illinois
Another twitchy athlete and team captain (the Raiders prioritized captainship in this class), Hobbs is physical and loves to hit. His old-school type of play was undoubtedly endearing to Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock.
7 (230): Jimmy Morrissey, C, Pittsburgh
Another team captain and developmental interior prospect for the Raiders, Morrissey was a solid dart throw late in the draft.