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3 Mistakes the Raiders made during the NFL Draft

By Cole Thompson

A general view of a video board as the Oakland Raiders pick. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
A general view of a video board as the Oakland Raiders pick. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Mike Mayock, Oakland Raiders
Mike Mayock, Oakland Raiders. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Las Vegas Raiders only have themselves to blame for the 2021 NFL Draft 

To the common NFL fan, most would agree that the Las Vegas Raiders did not walk away winners following the 2021 NFL Draft. Only time will tell if the selections made by any franchise will become superstars at the next level.

On paper, Las Vegas actually regressed this offseason rather than improved.

In a division that features Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, plus Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers, any mishap could have implications on the future of an organization. Not only did the Raiders lose three starting offensive lineman, but they also are putting more pressure on Derek Carr and Josh Jacobs to carry the team.

Jon Gruden will be given ample time to fix the team as he’s only on Year 4 of his 10-year deal, but Mark Davis has to be getting impatient moving into 2021. This is a season where they must decide if they want to contend or falter.

Here’s the biggest mistakes from the Raiders draft weekend.

3 draft mistakes the Las Vegas Raiders made

3. Failing to truly upgrade the center position

Sure, Nick Martin might be used in a pinch and the addition of seventh-round selection Jimmy Morrissey will provide depth, but are either high-end starters? Martin became a cap casualty for the Houston Texans, but he also struggled immensely and run blocking.

Considering the addition of Kenyan Drake, Las Vegas is expected to be a run-heavy offense at least to start the season. If Martin struggles, your banking on Morrissey to be an early starter despite having multiple limitations in his blocking stets.

It’s hard to fault Las Vegas of the Trevon Moehrig selection because of the need. However, Las Vegas had two third round picks following the move up to the No. 43 spot. They also used picks to trade back into the fourth round to grab another defensive player.

Knowing what happened following the Moehrig, why not pair another third and fourth-round pick to grab Oklahoma’s Creedy Humphrey  —  who know will be playing against the defensive line twice a season in Kansas City.

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