As we inch closer and closer to the NFL Draft, it appears the Raiders are likely to take some sort of offensive lineman at pick No. 17. With both Richie Incognito and Denzelle Good being in the 30s and no real solution at right tackle, Las Vegas could go just about anywhere on the offensive line.
But what if Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden decided to go in a different direction? We know the defense needs help and Gus Bradley loves speed. If that is the case, what defender would make sense?
In a recent mock draft by Dalton Miller of the Pro Football Network, he has the Raiders selecting Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons at No. 17. Here is what he had to say about the potential pairing in the first round:
“Micah Parsons is somewhat of a blank canvas as a defender. He came to Penn State as a defensive end, and as a freshman playing linebacker was already considered one of the top five prospects coming into his sophomore year. He is a freak athlete with legitimate pass-rush chops, and he hits like the King of Asgard.
However, as a linebacker, processing and showing not just an ability to cover, but an ability to thrive in coverage is important in a passing league. That is where Parsons falls short due to inexperience at the position. He possesses all the upside in the world; he just has to realize that potential. The Raiders take a swing at upside with this pick in this 2-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.”
Penn State’s Pro Day is on Thursday, March 25 and Parsons will be one of the main attractions that day. He is expected to post incredible testing numbers to match his dominant play on the field.
While the Raiders might not need a linebacker after signing two last offseason and re-signing Nicholas Morrow this year, Parsons is an elite talent and a Day 1 starter. He is a much better version of Kenneth Murray, who Gus Bradley helped draft last year in Los Angeles with the Chargers.
Still, it’s tough to imagine the Raiders going anywhere other than offensive line in Round 1. But we’ve certainly been shocked before when it comes to who the Raiders pick in the first round.
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