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

Raiders draft targets in 2021 NFL Draft

Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

When taking a look at round one and round two possibilities a few players come to mind to take a look at. If offensive tackle is indeed the early route Las Vegas decides to take I could easily see Christian Darrisaw being there at pick 17. Darrisaw was a starter for the Virginia Tech Hokies from his freshman year on and was steadily improving his game from year to year. Darrisaw fits the mold of the modern NFL offensive tackle in that he has good size at roughly 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds and can move with ease.

Darrisaw has shown yearly improvement while in college and will likely only get better with NFL coaching. He can easily pull and find targets in open space and is solid in pass protection as well. If Darrisaw can fill out his athletic frame with good muscle he should be a home run draft pick.

Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

With Maurice Hurst now on the San Francisco 49ers, the Raiders need to address the defensive tackle position. They signed Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson who are serviceable but not studs at the position. Drafting Christian Barmore in round one would provide an immediate boost to the trenches for the Raiders. Barmore is the best interior defensive lineman in the draft and will be a problem from day one for the opposing offensive lineman.

Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

The other early target I could see go to Las Vegas is the linebacker out of Tulsa in Zaven Collins. Collins was super productive in his three seasons playing for Tulsa totaling 236 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, seven and a half sacks, five interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, eight pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. Collins has a great frame at roughly 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds and is an ideal player for the modern NFL. Collins can rush the passer, is a good run defender, and can drop into pass coverage.