The Raiders are as good as any team in the AFC. Sitting at 5-2, they have the best record in the AFC West and could easily win the division this year. However, it’s never too early to look ahead to next year and what the NFL Draft could bring the Raiders.
In a recent mock draft by Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus, he has the Raiders picking at No. 26, meaning he believes they will be a playoff team this season. But who does he have them selecting in the back-end of the first round?
That would be Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean, who had a pick-six on Saturday against Florida. Here is what Renner and the site had to say about the impressive SEC linebacker:
“If Dean keeps playing like this, he won’t last long in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s earned a 91.2 overall grade this season and been outstanding in coverage. He has allowed 11 catches on 20 targets for 49 yards all season to go along with two picks and a pass breakup.”
With K.J. Wright and Denzel Perryman both playing on one-year deals, it does make sense that the Raiders could look to add a coverage linebacker like Dean. He has made plays all season long for Georgia and appears to be the type of linebacker that Gus Bradley covets.
However, it feels like the Raiders will likely use their first-round pick in 2022 to address their offensive line. They might need a right tackle depending on what happens with Alex Leatherwood and they could use an upgrade at left guard or center, as well.
Still, keep an eye on Dean and the rest of the Georgia defense for the rest of the 2021 season as they have multiple first-round talents on that side of the ball.
[vertical-gallery id=85620]
[lawrence-newsletter]