We are officially two weeks away from the 2021 NFL Draft and the closer we get, the clearer the first round is getting for the Raiders. The Raiders need a starting right tackle and it feels likely that one of Teven Jenkins, Alijah Vera-Tucker or Christian Darrisaw is the pick at No. 17.
However, Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden have certainly surprised us before and have gone in a direction that we never anticipated. For that reason alone, we can’t rule anything out.
That is why Alabama’s DeVonta Smith could be a legit option for the Raiders at No. 17, should he make it to that spot. In a recent mock draft by Josh Edwards of CBS Sports, he has the Raiders stopping Smith’s fall in the first round. Here is his explanation behind the pick:
“Smith should not be on the board at this stage of the first round but some really good players are going to slide. Teams may overthink his lack of size but Smith creates separation as well as anyone.”
While the Raiders desperately need to add to their offensive line and defense, Smith might be too good of a talent to pass up. He and Henry Ruggs fit perfectly together and Smith would be an excellent fit with Derek Carr.
Given just how productive Smith was in college and that he produced at Alabama, we know he will be on the radar of Gruden and Mayock. It will be fascinating to see if the Raiders would pick him at No. 17, despite all of their other needs.
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