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Raiders 2021 NFL Draft primer: Can Gruden get over the hump?

By Dylan Grimm

Nov 29, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach John Gruden looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach John Gruden looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Positions of need come draft time

Even with resigning 13 of their own players and signing an additional 12 free agents the Raiders still have a few holes they need to address come the 2021 NFL Draft. As of now, the major position of need is likely going to be offensive tackle which is one of the most in-demand positions across the entire league.

As of now, the projected starting tackles are Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker for the 2021 season. While Miller just signed a $54 million contract extension to stay with the Raiders for an additional three years, Parker is set to be a free agent after this upcoming season. If the Raiders can target and land a high-end tackle in round one or two they will be in line to start at the right tackle position.

Offensive tackle is the major offensive need and most of the other glaring needs are on the defensive side of the football. Look for the Raiders to take a hard and long look at drafting an interior defensive lineman after moving on from veteran Maurice Hurst recently. If interior defensive line isn’t something they address early on in the draft process is likely because they decided to draft a linebacker or a safety.

Vegas will also likely take a look at drafting interior or offensive line, a cornerback, and or an edge player when the 2021 NFL Draft rolls around.

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