Las Vegas Raiders trade down for defense in 7-round 2020 mock draft

Back on the clock for the first of two picks they have remaining in the third round, the Las Vegas Raiders land a stud from a small school in Lenoir-Rhyne’s Kyle Dugger.

With excellent size at 6-1 and 217 pounds, Dugger looks the part and he has the athleticism to go along with his build. Dugger stood out at the Senior Bowl before testing well at the NFL Combine. And on the field, he was a “sensation” as a safety and punt returner according to Joe Marino of The Draft Network.

"Kyle Dugger was a Division II sensation where he was a physical presence on defense that filled up the stat sheet. In addition, he also served as a returner and running back. As a punt returner, Dugger scored six touchdowns for his career. It’s a joy to watch Dugger fly downhill and make physical tackles. It’s in those situations where you can appreciate his size, burst, physicality and tackling technique. That athleticism also shows up in coverage where he showcases terrific range and ball skills."

Marino did also say that Dugger has some growing to do as a pro, considering he didn’t play elite talent as well as not having the quickest processing time. He was able to make it in Division II since he was a superior athlete. In the NFL, he will need more than that.

In Las Vegas, Dugger will have a solid coaching staff that will be able to help him along the way. The time it will take to get him up to speed is why he’s there in Round 3, but this will turn out to be one of their better selections once he’s up to speed.