2021 NFL Draft grades: Biggest winners and losers
Tennessee Titans
The Titans’ draft class, on the surface, is full of risks, which might not be the right approach for a team on the cusp of making a legitimate Super Bowl run and that came up short in several big games in recent seasons.
While Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley is one of the more consistent playmakers at his position, his back is a legitimate concern. Meanwhile, Dillon Radunz seems like a project up front, rather than filling an immediate need.
I like general manager John Robinson’s meshing of value and need with Washington cornerback Elijah Molden in Round 3 especially because his experience in zone could give him the chance to play some safety, as well.
But, this class leaves much to be desired when it comes to high-end contributors.
Grade: D
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders entered the draft with myriad needs, and an argument can be made that findings a quarterback of the future to ultimately replace Derek Carr need to be a top priority, but Las Vegas failed to mine one.
Alex Leatherwood is a nice counter-punch to what the Chiefs have built along their defensive line the past several offseasons, but he allowed five sacks last year at Alabama and was the weak-link along the Crimson Tide’s offensive line.
The chasm between the Raiders and Chiefs seemed to widen this weekend.