WWJD #14 - The New Las Vegas Raiders Mock Draft v4.0

WWJD #14- The Las Vegas Raiders Mock Draft v4.0

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The Las Vegas Raiders are a mystery team in this years NFL Draft. They could move up for a specific player, trade back to acquire more picks, or do BOTH! The 12th overall pick could be the “hot spot” for teams to move up, and the Raiders could take advantage of a team desperate to move up in the draft.

 

The Raiders entered into NFL Free Agency with moves that addressed some essential needs, namely on the defensive side of the ball at the linebacker and defensive tackle positions. With the signings of former Los Angeles Rams’ linebacker Cory Littleton (3 years, $35.25M, $22M guaranteed) and Chicago Bears linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, (3 years, $21M, $13.5M guaranteed) the Silver and Black signed two of the top linebackers available.

Raiders’ general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden continued to sure up their defense with the additions of two former Dallas Cowboys, defensive tackle Maliek Collins (1 year, $7M) and safety Jeff Heath (2 years, $8M). They also added a pass rusher in defensive end Carl Nassib, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who inked a three year ($25M deal with $17M guaranteed).

The Raiders them turned to the offensive side of the ball and addressed Derek Carr’s backup when they agreed to sign former Tennessee Titan quarterback Marcus Mariota. The former #2 overall pick. Mariota is expected to push him in a more competitive environment and provide a veteran option should Carr go down with an injury or doesn’t play well. Mariota signed a 2-year contract worth $17.5M, ($7.5M guaranteed for 2020) that could jump to over $35M if he meets all the incentives. With Carr, Mariota, Nathan Peterman, and Deshon Kizer in the quarterback room, the Raiders may not be looking to add another one to the mix, unless they are.

They also added former Cowboys tight end, Jason Witten to a 1-year deal worth $4.75M and former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor to a 1-year deal worth $1.47M with only $887K guaranteed.

The Silver and Black also added cornerback Eli Apple, formally of the New Orleans Saints, but then (thankfully) they couldn’t agree to terms on the deal, and the parties decided not to try to work through it. The Raiders then quickly added former Packers and Browns safety Damarious Randall, signing him to a 1-year $3.25M dollar deal. They also added former Dolphins tight end Nick O’Leary, and Browns offensive lineman Eric Kush.

Heading into the fourth week of NFL Free Agency, with the 2020 NFL Draft two weeks away, the Raiders will have their eyes on a wide receiver, which is their most significant need right now. The Raiders could always use another linebacker to start alongside Littleton and Kwiatkoski, along with another safety that can be a playmaker next to Jonathan Abram.

So it’s time for my mock v4.0. In this mock draft, there WILL BE trades (since the mock draft simulator I am now using allows them). I am drafting the best player available at what I think are the most critical positions in terms of the need for the Raiders.

When the Raiders get on the clock at pick 12, all three of the top wide receivers are still on the board, making Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, and Henry Ruggs III still available. While adding either one of those wide receivers would be a great fit, the Miami Dolphins call and offer their 1st round (pick #18), 3rd round pick (#70), 4th round pick (#141), 5th round picks (#153 & #173) and 7th round picks (#227, #246 and #251). That is a total of 1,228 on the NFL Trade Value Chart; the 12th overall pick is worth 1,200 points.

This draft is deep at wide receiver. With only five picks, I took the trade, especially since the Raiders also have pick #19 at their disposal.

Later in the draft, at pick 19, the Raiders receive a call from the Green Bay Packers who offer their 1st and 2nd round picks (#30, #62, and #136) for the 19th overall pick. I jumped at this trade because of the Raiders’ lack of quality depth, and it would allow me to fill multiple needs in all three phases. Lastly, I wanted a specific player early in round 2 and moved picks 62 (via Green Bay), and a 2021 2nd round pick to New England for pick #38.

With all three deals, I netted a +7 in picks giving Las Vegas 14 picks n total to continue the Raiders’ rebuild.

 

So here is my Raiders Mock Draft v4.0 done via the PFN Mock Draft Simulator:

 

Round 1:

(#19): Jerry Jeudy- WR- Alabama: Jon Gruden needs a legitimate #1 receiver for his offense to work, and he knows Derek Carr needs to have a guy that can be a difference-maker catching his passes. Jerry Jeudy is just that type of weapon. I’ve had multiple NFL front office people tell me Jeudy reminds them of Antonio Brown without the diva attitude and drama.

He has terrific hands, is excellent after the catch, and is the best route runner to enter the draft in many years. Jeudy also has a quality that a lot of wide receivers lack when they enter the NFL: He knows how to set-up his routes without throttling down.

With the electric playmaker Jeudy surprisingly available at pick 19, the Raiders’ most significant need currently and the best available player on my board, becomes the instant #1 target for Carr and gives the Gruden offense some serious juice.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Jerry Jeudy has all of the tools that it takes to become a No. 1 wide receiver. His route release package, combined with his ability to create separation naturally, is a recipe for a high-end prospect. His slight frame throughout will raise some question marks about his play strength, but the adverse effects of it are masked because of his innate demonstrations of keeping his frame clean.

Jeudy enters the NFL as one of the most electric and polished route runners I have ever scouted at the college level. He projects as a true No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL through which a team can funnel passing game. Alabama lined him up all across the formation, and he features the versatility to do the same in the NFL, without restricting the offensive scheme. Jeudy does need to develop more consistency with his hands, but he should be able to produce early in his NFL career with the upside to become one of the better wide receivers in the game. A timing-based offense like Jon Gruden’s would mesh well with his skill set.

(Previous pick: CJ Henderson at 19)

 

 

(#30): AJ Terrell- CB- Clemson: The Raiders drafted another Clemson cornerback last year in Trayvon Mullen. This year they add his former college teammate, a player with an even higher ceiling according to scouts I talked too. He lost A LOT of money by having his worst game in his final game, against a team that had the best quarterback and offense he has seen while in college. But what stood out to me was that he kept coming back without fear and showing a quick memory, something needed for cornerbacks to be successful.  

SCOUTING REPORT:

AJ Terrell is a terrific athlete with excellent pattern-matching skills, quick feet, clean transitions, and fluid hips. I love how tight he plays in coverage, allowing little cushion and staying connected defending quick game. Terrell finds consistent success in press coverage with excellent balance, patience, hand usage, and willingness to crowd receivers in the contact window. He is outstanding in click and close situations, driving forward on the football and being disruptive.

Terrell does well to play through the hands of the receiver to challenge at the catch point. He has the ideal size for the position, and he transitions well for a taller corner. Terrell is effective in leveraging outside releases, layering coverage, and squeezing routes. Lastly, Terrell has good eye discipline, showcasing the ability to read the backfield while remaining in phase, with a body type that is long and rangy.

A.J. Terrell projects as a starting cornerback at the NFL level. Terrell has the fluidity to play off-man coverage and the click and close quickness and foot speed to drive into routes breaking off in front of his face. While Terrell shows the foot mobility and transitional quickness to flip and carry in press man, his functional strength isn’t a hallmark trait. Bigger-bodied receivers will be able to play through his press unless he’s able to add weight onto his frame.

AJ Terrell leaves Clemson after three seasons, two of which he started, and demonstrated remarkable growth throughout his career. Possessing a full toolbox to excel in man coverage, Terrell is long, rangy, and fluid, with good eye discipline to bait throws. He also finds considerable success in soft press coverage, and he is exceptionally sticky when crowding routes in the quick game. Terrell does need to add play strength and get more consistent as a tackler, but he projects as a scheme-versatile starter with a high ceiling.

(Previous Pick: Justin Jefferson at pick 22)

 

Round 2:

(#38): Grant Delpit- Safety- LSU: Grant Delpit is my top-rated safety, and with him still on the board at pick #38, I had to pull the trigger on a deal that cost the Raiders their 2021 second-round pick. To me, Delpit is worth it, and I considered drafting him at pick #30. Delpit is a playmaker that reminds me of former KC Chiefs safety Eric Berry and NFL Hall of Famer Ed Reed.

Even with the signing of Damarious Randall, Delpit wouldn’t be a “need” pick, but he would give the Raiders insurance should Randall not live up to his signing or get injured. Delpit would slide perfectly in the Raiders defense, give them even more depth, and be the perfect complement to strong safety Jonathan Abram.

SCOUTING REPORT:

He’s an animal playing forward. Delpit confidently drives on the football in click and close situations, and he has a quick trigger when attacking downhill against the run, especially when lined up in the box. He’s incredibly versatile with upside in man and zone coverage. Delpit has strong pattern mirroring skills from the slot, and his length shows up when closing on the ball against the quick game. Delpit definitely checks the box with his ball skills, he’s sound at securing takeaways and disrupting at the catch point. He is always punching/raking at the football to try and separate it from the ball carrier.

Delpit also showcases an excellent range to cover ground and close down distances. He has proven to be an effective blitzer with good timing, physicality, and effort. A brilliant player who processes quickly and always finds himself around the football on film, he became a much more consistent tackler in 2019, arriving under better control, aiming low and wrapping up. His hitting power and contact balance are excellent. I love his ability to navigate through tight quarters and knife through traffic in pursuit. Smooth and athletic with his quick feet for his size, he can lineup virtually anywhere in the back seven.

Delpit projects as an impact defender at the NFL level, but tackling issues in the open field will put off some teams. Still, he’s physically capable of booming hits, and his foundation as a player is a pretty rare blend of skills, making him an enticing every-down defender that can be a centerpiece to weekly game plans. Delpit has high football intelligence and can handle any number of roles or responsibilities. Adding him to a roster will add infinite flexibility to back-end coverage combos.

Grant Delpit was one of the SEC’s most dynamic defensive playmakers across his final two seasons in Baton Rouge, earning First-Team All-SEC recognition in consecutive seasons. He also gained unanimous All-American honors while claiming the Jim Thorpe Award in 2019 as the nation’s best defensive back. Delpit brings a lot to the table, and he projects favorably to becoming a high-impact safety in the NFL. He’s versatile, physical, urgent, smart, athletic, and his skill set is perfect for matching up against the pace and space present in today’s NFL offenses.

Tackling has been a notable wart in Delpit’s film, but he improved considerably in 2019, playing with more control and wrapping up with more consistency. Delpit’s presence will make an NFL scheme more multiple, and there’s just nothing he can’t do on the field. He has the upside to become one of the best players at his position by year three with the ability to start right away.

(Previous Pick: Jeremey Chinn at pick #58)

 

 

Round 3:

(#70): Willie Gay Jr.- LB- Mississippi St.: Why would the Raiders take another linebacker after signing Littleton and Kwiatkoski? The answer is simple: Willie Gay Jr. is a stud and too good to pass up right here in the draft. He has excellent tape and tested in the upper half of players at the NFL Combine. He also blew away NFL teams during the interview process and gained even more fans in NFL circles. I projected him to go in the 2nd round of the draft, but with the trade that landed the #70th pick, and back to back picks coming ten picks later, landing Gay Jr. would be a considerable win for GM Mike Mayock and Gruden.

SCOUTING REPORT: 

Gay Jr. was highly productive for Mississippi St. He is a strong, physical, athletic linebacker who started six games at WILL linebacker for the nation’s No. 1 defense in 2018. “Chip,” a name his grandmother gave him, played in five games in 2019 and missed eight due to three separate incidents that happened at Mississippi State during the last two seasons. Gay Jr. finished with 28 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble with two recoveries, and returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown.

Willie Gay Jr. is an athletic defender who would be best served in a space role to scrape and flow to the football. His explosiveness and tackle radius are evident on tape, but his processing speed and consistency in reading his keys is something that needs to be honed before he’s handed a role as a MIKE linebacker with significant reps. With an impressive physical profile, Gay Jr. deserves the chance to be coached up (just six starts). With higher play recognition, he could be an NFL starter.

Willie Gay Jr. is one of those second-level enforcers that will stick his face in a fan and like it. Everything he does is executed with relentless urgency and imposing physicality. He complements his high motor with good size and explosive athletic traits that make him an exciting developmental option. With that said, there are some red flags to be mindful of, and Gay Jr. is severely underdeveloped as a processor. He should claim a subpackage and special teams role early in his career, and his ceiling is fairly exciting as he settles in and develops the nuances of the position.

 

 

(#80): Prince Tega-Wanogho- OT- Auburn: The Raiders have a lot of money tied in their offensive line, and while offensive tackle isn’t a priority, should Trent Brown or Kolton Miller go down with an injury they could be in trouble. Tega-Wanogho has all the tools to be an outstanding tackle, but he is raw and needs time to not only get stronger but also learn to play the position.

SCOUTING REPORT: 

Tega-Wanogho projects as a viable starting LT in the NFL. With plenty of room to grow, Tega-Wanogho has Pro Bowl potential, given his physical tools. He’s got terrific short-area movement skills, functional power, length, and foot quickness. He projects best into a gap/power system in a West Coast passing offense. Tega-Wanogho came to the United States in pursuit of basketball initially and is still green to the game. He’ll continue to blossom with more coaching.

Prince Tega-Wanogho is a toolsy prospect that is still new to playing football, and that becomes apparent when studying his tape. While he has an ideal frame to develop, long arms and excellent functional athleticism, his technique and application of his physical gifts are very much a work in progress. Tega-Wanogho has a high ceiling to reach should he develop, and his tools make him an intriguing option. With that said, patience could be required, and he profiles more like an eventual starter at tackler, ideally in a zone blocking run scheme.

(Previous Pick: Darrell Taylor at pick 80)

 

(#81): Ross Blacklock- DT- TCU: The Raiders need depth on their defensive line, and they need quality. Ross Blacklock is the type of player that could blossom into a legitimate starter down the road for the Silver and Black. He is another player that has tremendous upside and plays with the type of motor and energy that the Raiders coaching staff love. He also is a guy that could become a significant piece to any defense, especially one coached by Rod Marinelli.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Ross Blacklock is a scheme-diverse talent who has all the physical tools needed to be a disruptive presence upfront on an NFL defensive line. Blacklock’s length, hand power, lateral agility, and first step quickness are all plus qualities. Once he’s able to polish his pad level/leverage and hand placement, Blacklock will have a chance to be an impact defender. His projection is best as a 3T in an even front, where his athleticism can shine through and allow penetration into the backfield.

Blacklock is a rare, exciting defensive prospect from the Big 12 with all the tools needed to be a dynamic playmaker in the NFL. While there will be quite a bit for him to acclimate to at the next level, Blacklock has the size, length, power, flexibility, athleticism, and technique needed to develop. He often two-gapped at TCU, but I like him inside even fronts as well, making him a prospect with all the versatility required to execute in a defensive front that is multiple by alignment.

Blacklock needs to develop his processing skills, but his ceiling is exciting, given how physically talented he is and how he already applies those gifts on the field to make plays. He deserves to be among the first interior defensive linemen selected in the NFL Draft and has the upside to become a building block for an NFL defense.

(Previous Pick: Jalen Hurts at pick 81)

 

(#91): Chase Claypool- TE- Notre Dame: Chase Claypool is a hybrid who can be a significant weapon for the right offense. His size and speed are a mismatch for any defense and give Gruden a weapon that he hasn’t had as a head coach. Claypool and Darren Waller would provide the Raiders two freakish elite athletes at tight end that have similar size, speed, and athletic ability. Claypool ran a 4.41 at 6’4/238 pounds at the NFL Combine, which made some scouts I talked to re-think the talk that he should move to tight end, but in the Raiders offense, he wouldn’t be a traditional tight end.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Claypool has ample catch radius and powerful physicality. With his size, he’s able to claim space with aggressiveness and hand fighting to create separation. I’m not sold on his vertical push to create soft coverage on underneath routes, but this is a big body who is fearless over the middle of the field and will bring ample toughness as a blocker in the slot or on the boundary.

Claypool illustrated steady growth throughout his career at Notre Dame, peeking as a senior in 2019 when he caught 66 passes for 1,037 yards and 13 touchdowns. The appeal with Claypool stems from his size, catch radius, and straight-line speed. He finds success in contested situations and can out-muscle most defenders. With that said, separation quickness, release technique, and inconsistent catching are notable items to be concerned with when projecting him to the next level.

Claypool is likely to be challenged with plenty of contact at the release and catch point in the NFL, making it necessary for him to continue to showcase his physical prowess and win in tightly contested situations. Claypool has limitations of which to be mindful, but he can fulfill a niche role. I see Claypool as a big slot that provides a complementary weapon for an offense that features speed and separation specialists to draw coverage away and ensure spacing for him to work. Claypool is a proven special teams performer, adding value to his incomplete skill set that will enable him to stick at the next level.

(Previous Pick: Jeremy Chinn)

 

 

Round 4:

 (#136) Anfernee Jennings- DE- Alabama: The Raiders need to get to quarterbacks and not only sack them, but disrupt their timing to help the secondary. Alabama defensive end Anfernee Jennings is the type of player that can do this with his hand on the ground or standing up.

Jennings aligned as an edge defender in the Crimson Tide hybrid scheme. In the passing game, his production has superseded his skill set. He shows excellent strength and pop in his hands to disengage and close on the QB. In the run game, he is heavy at the point of attack. He has perfect hand placement and is very difficult to move vertically. He’s stronger and more powerful than he is explosive. As a result, some of his movements are slow twitch. On 3rd down, you maximize his skill set by rushing him only from a 3 point stance. He doesn’t project well as a core special teamer, and he would struggle in space at the next level.

Jennings is a next level starter and should find success as a base defensive end in an even front system. Jennings’ length, rush counters, and functional strength will allow him to be a persistent presence against the pass, even if his lack of explosiveness won’t allow him to serve as a game-changing defender. Jennings‘ great hands, gap discipline, smart play, and technique will enable him to step into an NFL defensive system and contribute early.

 

(#141) Van Jefferson- WR- Florida: Van Jefferson is a guy that could go anywhere from late round 2 to early-round 5 of the NFL Draft. Most of it isn’t his fault. This draft, being as loaded at receiver as it is, is the wrong draft to have a broken foot that can’t be checked due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jefferson is a football junky and a coach’s son, so he would be a great fit personality-wise with Raiders. He is also one of the best route runners in this class. He has very good speed and a natural feel for playing the position.

SCOUTING REPORT:

The son of a former NFL receiver and current Jets wide receivers coach, Shawn Jefferson, Van Jefferson, is a technically-refined receiver that runs nuanced routes and has outstanding hands. He’s a dynamic separator in short to intermediate areas of the field, and his ball skills are impressive. A pro-ready target, Jefferson will turn 24 before he takes an NFL snap, and his overall production in college was modest.

While he made some plays post-catch and down the field in college, his average athletic profile doesn’t suggest he will be overly productive in either area in the NFL. Jefferson has the potential to play from the slot or outside, preferably in a timing-based offense. Jefferson is a high-floor prospect that should be a steady contributor right away in the NFL.

Jefferson is a pro-ready wide receiver who should have a little issue fitting into any system at the pro level. Jefferson is silky smooth on his routes, plays with a lot of cerebral nuances, and illustrates excellent hands through contact. He may never be a focal point receiver, but as a secondary target, Jefferson figures to have a long and productive pro career. His best routes work into the middle of the field and allow him to defeat coverage inside. Continued work as an RPO target is advisable.

 

 

Round 5:

(#153) James Morgan- QB- FIU: The Raiders, like a lot of other NFL teams, really like what James Morgan brings to the table as a young quarterback. He has an accurate cannon for an arm, he is a leader, and a guy that can handle the offense as well as lead a team.

Morgan grew up playing in the shadow of Lambeau Field, at Ashwaubenon High School and wearing Brett Favre’s No. 4 Packers jersey. He started his career in the MAC with Bowling Green, starting seven games his redshirt freshman season. In 12 games overall, Morgan completed 56.1 percent of his passes (183 of 326) for 2,082 yards and 16 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He began the 2017 season as the starter but was replaced by freshman Jarret Doege after three games.

He returned to the lineup for four more games, starting three of those games (96 of 212, 45.3 completion percentage, 1,260 yards, nine touchdowns, seven interceptions). Morgan transferred after that season to play at FIU and ended up the Conference USA Newcomer of the Year after completing 65.3 percent of his passes for 2,727 yards and a school-record 26 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. He was honorable mention All-C-USA again in 2019 (207 of 357, 58.0 completion percentage, 2,585 yards, 14 touchdowns, five interceptions in 12 starts).

SCOUTING REPORT:

James Morgan is one of the more appealing developmental quarterbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft. Morgan has some impressive flashes of spot throws and willingness to stand in and survey under pressure and pairs it with a prototypical build and a preference to push the ball downfield. Too often, Morgan will eat the ball and take bad sacks. He’s got to quicken his process and deliver, but he’s got A+ intangibles, a promising level of arm talent, and an eye for the big throw.

 

 

Round 6:

(#173) Troy Dye- ILB- Oregon: Dye is from Norco, California, and prepped at Norco High School. The Inland Empire native has always been an athletic freak but also is a coach’s son. It’s easy to fall in love with the tackle production, football IQ, and sideline-to-sideline range, but his slight frame and difficulty keeping weight on could become a significant stumbling block for him in the way teams view his pro potential.

His skillset and recognition are best suited along the inside, but due to his size, he might need to ply his trade as an outside ‘backer in a 4-3 defense. He has a three-down talent with the aptitude to cover or blitz and is in line to go from plus-backup to eventual starter if he can keep good weight on his frame.

SCOUTING REPORT: 

Dye has the athletic profile of an impact defender at the NFL level. With his explosiveness, mobility, length, and range, Dye has everything needed to be a plus starter, but he must quicken his play diagnosis and become a better defender in space to take good angles in his path to the football. Dye is currently a tick slow on seeing opportunities to attack and, as a result, will miss critical plays on the boundary or fail to get home when shooting gaps.

Troy Dye was a prolific starter across four seasons for Oregon and has some likable qualities when projecting him to the NFL. His length, athleticism, and energy profiles well to a pursuit-style role in the NFL with upside to thrive in coverage and space. With that said, Dye’s processing skills are still a touch late, and his ability to navigate through contact disappoints for a guy with so much starting experience.

Dye would benefit from playing in a role and defense where he can “see the ball, get the ball,” and be kept clean to freely roam, especially if he doesn’t grow in his ability to consistently read and react. Dye should be a standout four-phase special teamer and developmental starter.

 

 

Round 7:

(#227) Jon Runyan Jr.- OG- Michigan: Jon Runyan Jr. is the son of former NFL offensive lineman Jon Runyan. He has flaws in his game, but he also has flashed enough to make NFL evaluators take notice. Teams that are running a zone-blocking scheme have a ton of interest in Runyan and project him as a guard at the next level.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Determined and smart, Runyan held his own as a Big Ten tackle despite a lack of desired physical and athletic traits. He’s inconsistent taking control into initial engagements, but stays after it and recovers back into the second phase of the block. Runyan Jr. plays with high hands that diminish his power and control, but that should improve as he slides inside to guard.

He has adequate athleticism and body control to fit into a variety of run schemes but may not excel in any. Some scouts feel Runyan’s protection experience at tackle improves his draft value as a later-round backup-caliber guard. In contrast, others think Runyan should be a capable starting guard in the NFL.

Teams will like his competitive toughness and run blocking ability, but issues with technique and in pass protection will hold him back on the edge. He has experience at guard and could have starter upside inside if he can be more aggressive with his hand usage. Moving inside would allow him to better use his power without having to cover as much space, which could help improve his hand usage.

 

(#246) Harrison Hands- CB- Temple: The Raiders have a very nice young core of cornerbacks with Trayvon Mullen, Isaiah Johnson, Keisean Nixon, the addition of the versatile Randall, and the drafting of Terrell in this mock draft. But after them, there is a considerable drop-off.

I expect LaMarcus Joyner to have a bounce-back year after inconsistent play for most of the season, as well as dealing with injuries. But Harrison Hand, the cornerback out of Temple, is a “Mayock guy,” meaning he plays physical, unafraid, and is underrated by most evaluators.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Hand, a transfer from Baylor, is a 6’0/192 lb cornerback that had three interceptions, 43 tackles, and one forced fumble in 2019. He joined the program as a transfer in the spring and quickly earned the starting cornerback spot. Hand led the team in tackles in a standout win and defensive performance against #21 Maryland, while notching his first interception and pass breakup as a Temple Owl. Hand was all over the field against #23 Memphis, recording an interception, pass breakup, a forced fumble, and 2 TFL while leading the team in tackles (9).

Harrison Hand is an intriguing early Day 3 option. Some teams will peg Hand as a safety due to some natural restrictions with his transitions in off coverage, but for Cover 3 heavy defenses, Hand can be a booming presence to crash into the line of scrimmage and play run support. Whether he’s a safety or a scheme-specific cornerback, there’s starter potential here. He’s savvy in shallow zones, he’s got great length, and he’ll step up in support and smack you. I like his foundation to develop.

Hand offers an appealing skillset if used in the right capacity. While his tight hips and modest foot speed present some challenges for regular man coverage duties, he is outstanding in zone coverage where his intelligence, trigger, and ball skills truly shine. He brings a physical element to everything he does, and his competitive demeanor is easy to love. Hand should be a quality special teams contributor that has the upside to be a scheme-specific starter in a zone-heavy defense, but I wouldn’t rule out safety as his best role in the NFL.

 

(#251) Javin White- OLB/S- UNLV: The uber-talented and highly underrated Javin White is one of many players who will be most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected how the NFL does business. He was unable to have a Pro-Day in front of NFL scouts and talent evaluators, but he drew a lot of scouts attention during the season.

He is a playmaker that UNLV used as a SAM backer, at inside backer’, strong safety, over the top of tight ends, and even outside on wide receivers. White also plays with the type of swagger that will make him a tone-setter and an instant fan favorite. He doesn’t back down from anyone and is extremely passionate about football. He also made big play after big play for the Rebels at the most critical times in their biggest games.

The NFL is transitioning to a positionless league; meaning teams are looking for players able to play multiple positions; White fits the bill. The Raiders would love to have players that can be on the field for all three downs, and the UNLV product is one of those types of players. In Javin White, there are no off the field concerns, and he has been working with the Las Vegas community throughout his time in Vegas.

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Stay tuned to Franchise Sports Media for my next Raiders Mock Draft v5.0.

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