Arguably the most unstable spot on the Raiders’ defense is currently at defensive tackle. With Maliek Collins and Johnathan Hankins set to hit free agency, the only interior rusher that is somewhat proven is Maurice Hurst and he is entering the final year of his contract. Needless to say, this is a spot the Raiders must address sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately, the 2021 draft class doesn’t have a ton of top-end talent on the interior defensive line. The best player in the class is Alabama’s Christian Barmore, who has played just 800 career snaps in college. However, the talent is undeniable after dominating the college football playoffs.
In a recent mock draft by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, he projected Barmore to be the selection for the Raiders at No. 17. Here is his thought process behind the pick and on the Crimson Tide star:
“The Raiders have to get better on the defensive line, inside and on the edges. Barmore is still very young, and there are some inconsistent areas to his game, mostly in the run game. But he doesn’t stay blocked for very long due to his power, explosiveness and energy — three traits that don’t jump out when watching the Raiders’ defensive line last season.”
Barmore, along with Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, have been the two most common selections for the Raiders in the first round. Both come from big programs and would fill needs that the team has on defense. However, the defensive tackle position is more of an urgent issue and Barmore would likely be a Day 1 starter for the Raiders.
As we get closer and closer to the draft, don’t be surprised if Barmore becomes the consensus pick for the Raiders as he checks all the boxes that Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden want from a first-round pick.
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