Las Vegas Raiders target SEC studs in 7-round 2020 mock draft
By Randy Gurzi
Pick 80. 893. Pick Analysis. Willie Gay, Jr.. LB. player. Scouting Report. Round 3
As far as his athleticism and overall talent are considered, Willie Gay, Jr. should go well before the 80th pick. He’s a punishing tackler that makes teams think twice about trying to attack the middle of the field. He’s also good at blowing up the running game when he gets a full head of steam.
Having said that, Gay’s numbers don’t match up with his skill. His best season came in 2018 when he had 48 tackles and five sacks. This past season, he recorded 28 tackles in just five games played.
He’s also inexperienced, recording just six sacks in his three seasons. Even with the red flags, this is a player who can become an impact defender once he gets up to speed.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Pick 81. 817. Round 3. Rashard Lawrence. DT. player
The Raiders have back-to-back picks in the third and the second of those are used to add another defender from the world champion LSU Tigers. Rashard Lawrence is a powerful player and has the size to plug up holes in the NFL at 6-2 and 308 pounds.
He’s also a scrappy player who doesn’t let injuries keep him off the field. That helps him become a leader on the defensive line as his toughness and non-stop motor are contagious traits.
For his career, Lawrence had 120 tackles with 20.5 going for a loss. He had nine sacks but that’s not going to be his calling card in the NFL. Instead, he will be there to destroy running games.