2021 NFL Mock Draft, post-free agency: Browns land Micah Parsons, Falcons shock with Kyle Pitts

It’s really hard to figure out just what the Las Vegas Raiders are doing this offseason. They enjoyed one of the better offensive lines in the NFL last season but decided to make some moves in this area, moving on from Trent Brown and Rodney Hudson. While the Brown move made some sense considering he was overpaid, the Hudson trade was a real head-scratcher.

With those two gone, they’re suddenly looking like a team that needs to get better up front. That’s what leads to this selection as they take Rashawn Slater out of Northwestern. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Slater has climbed boards as of late and is considered by some as the best option at tackle outside of Penei Sewell — and for good reason.

Slater is praised for his athletic traits and technical approach to the game. He won’t hit all the measurables that scouts love to see for offensive tackles but he should still be able to play on the outside. For Northwestern, he was the left tackle and there’s a belief that he would excel in a west-coast style offense, which is what makes him a great fit for Jon Gruden and his offense.

This won’t make up for all the questionable moves Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock have made this offseason but they do land a day one starter here at No. 17.