Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 NFL Draft redo actually gets best values

Round 3, Pick 79: Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State

Actual Pick: Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Buffalo

Taking Malcolm Koonce with the No. 79 selection was arguably just as bad as the Leatherwood pick in the first round. Though there is potential for the Buffalo product to develop into a usable NFL player, Koonce was graded to go in the fifth round at the earliest, making this a huge reach. Just as much as that, he’s also a better fit for a 3-4 base defense as opposed to Las Vegas’ 4-3 approach.

Instead of adding edge depth when there are clearly more pressing needs, the Raiders take a swing on Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning. Though the former Buckeye is still coming along in terms of his ability to cover the run and the sideline-to-sideline game. However, with a strong natural ability in coverage and a terrific combo of size and athleticism, he could be a game-changer for the Raiders defense.

Round 3, Pick 80: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse

Actual Pick: Divine Deablo, S/LB, Virginia Tech

While some people panned the Raiders for taking Divine Deablo, another listed safety, in the third round, it’s not as bad as it sounds. The Virginia Tech product is more of a hybrid than anything, even if he would be a bit redundant with a lot of the things Johnathan Abram does well at this point. Still, he’s depth in the middle of the field. But with Browning getting snagged with the pick before in this draft redo, we switch courses.

Las Vegas has used a first- and second-round pick on Damon Arnette and Trayvon Mullen, respectively, in the past two drafts. Yet, both players have struggled to find their games. Adding another depth option at cornerback, especially someone with the upside with Ifeatu Melifonwu, would make a lot of sense. His combination of height-length-speed would give the Raiders a terrific coverage player who has the versatility to help the defense in multiple arenas.