Las Vegas Raiders trade up for Tua Tagovialoa in wild 7-round mock draft
Justin Strnad. 5. player. 889. . LB. Demon Deacons
Pick via Titans (No. 156)
It’s been a struggle at linebacker for several year with the Raiders, trying to patchwork this group together into something functional. The results have been less than successful and, though you’d like to see them use an early selection on the position, that’s not an option for them in this current position. But they can still get a starter for that unit with a ton of upside in Justin Strnad.
The Wake Forest product suffered a torn bicep that ended his 2019 season but showed that he’s ready for the next level when on the field. While not the strongest run defender as he could stand to add some mass to his frame to deal with the junk in the middle of the field, his ability in coverage makes him a usable piece right away. He’s a good athlete that would be an immediate upgrade to the Raiders defense.
819. . S. Fighting Irish . Jalen Elliott. 6. player
Pick via Jets (No. 171)
Chances are, the Raiders are going to move on from Karl Joseph this offseason as he becomes an unrestricted free agent. But after using a first-round pick on Johnathan Abram last year, they have at least one answer there. Even still, Las Vegas could use some more help and depth at the position, which Jalen Elliott can answer.
The Fighting Irish veteran played all over the field with Notre Dame throughout his career and showcased his football IQ and physicality. While he’s not a terrific athlete, which limits his overall ceiling, there are a lot worse things to have on defense than tone-setters who have a good feel. Elliott is that and a seemingly natural fit with the culture Gruden and Mayock are building.
player. 856. . CB. Cowboys . A.J. Green. 6
Pick via Titans (No. 188)
Pass defense was an issue for the Raiders this past season, which should improve with Abram returning from injury and with the additions of Strnad and Elliott. Having said that, this defense still needs help on the outside and A.J. Green from Oklahoma state is well worth a sixth-round pick to try and develop into that role.
Next. 10 Greatest coaches to never win a Super Bowl. dark
Green is the perfect case of looking at what a prospect can do and not what they can’t. While he needs to get stronger and needs technical consistency, his long frame, speed and requisite athleticism for the position are very clearly there. If the Raiders can bring him into the mix to get him in the weight room and coach him up, Green could develop into a massive steal for Vegas.