Las Vegas Raiders reset at quarterback in early 2021 NFL Mock Draft

Las Vegas Raiders defense, pass-catchers get late-round help.

While the Raiders made some nice free-agent signings in Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski this offseason to address a long-time hole at linebacker, they still need youth and depth at the position. Landing Monty Rice in the sixth round would be a phenomenal way to address that need.

Rice has a nose for the football and is always in the mix to make plays, both against the run and when asked to drop into coverage. He’s a bit undersized at 6-1, 235 pounds but we’ve seen the recent value of players who can thrive at the position despite those limitations, making him a great value for Las Vegas.

Frankly, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Al Blades Jr. play his way into being a Day 2 pick given his man coverage ability. He is not the greatest athlete overall but he’s quick, fluid and has a strong feel for matching up with wide receivers and using his footwork and length to win. While he needs to add some strength and bulk to his frame to hold up consistently against bigger receivers in the NFL, he could be a nice addition to the Raiders secondary.

Yes, the Raiders just spent a ton of draft capital at wide receiver in 2020. But that’s one position where you can never have too much depth, especially when a prospect like Reggie Roberson Jr. is sitting there for the taking in the seventh round.

Roberson missed time with a foot injury in 2019 but what he’s shown already is impressive. His route-running and ability to stretch the field are obvious, as are his natural hands. If he can prove healthy and thrive as a No. 1 in the SMU passing offense in the 2020 college season, the Mustangs star could be a steal if he went in Round 7.