Now that the 2019-2020 season is officially over, it’s time to begin looking ahead to what the Las Vegas Raiders might do in the offseason. And with the team holding two picks in the first round, it seems likely the Raiders will address their needs at wide receiver and linebacker.
However, one of the problems with their linebacker need is that there is only one linebacker worthy of a top-15 pick; Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons. Earlier during the draft process, Simmons was the consensus pick for the Raiders at No. 12. But after two massive playoff games, his stock has risen dramatically as he could be in contention for a top-five selection.
But in a recent mock draft at The Draft Network, Kyle Crabbs has the Raiders selecting Simmons at pick No. 12 after three quarterbacks were selected in the top six picks. Take a look at Crabbs’ thoughts on the potential of Simmons falling outside of the top-10:
Pinch yourselves, Raiders fans. You’re not dreaming. Yes, your team really did move to Las Vegas and yes, Isaiah Simmons is really on the board here at 12. Simmons shouldn’t have a problem getting someone to fall in love with him — but if we see the Panthers go with an offensive tackle and Derrick Brown tumble towards 10, this is a viable possibility. Especially considering the NFL can get funky about players without an “official position”.
In Crabbs’ mock draft, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was selected with the No. 8 pick to the Arizona Cardinals. Lamb has been widely mocked to the Raiders in the first round, so it makes sense that a player like Simmons would fall if Lamb does go higher than some select.
Either way, the Raiders should have multiple talented players, such as Simmons or Lamb, fall to them at pick No. 12. Look for the Raiders to either address their wide receiver or linebacker position with their first pick.
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