The draft is coming up soon and will be different than the years past because of coronavirus. The NFL has decided that the show must go on, and the NFL draft this year will be virtual, which will be a different perspective for fans.
The Las Vegas Raiders will be picking at No. 12 and No. 19 because the controversial Khalil Mack trade allows them to double up in the first. Mock drafts have the Raiders going mostly cornerback and wide receiver, but as we learned last year, it’s hard to predict what the raiders are going to do.
Last year only one player that was consistently mocked to the Raiders was selected, and that player was Josh Jacobs, and we all know Mayock was not hiding his thoughts on that pick.
With that said, I decided to look at three surprises I think the Raiders front office might hit fans with in the first round. Let’s get to it.
Brandon Aiyuk WR Arizona State
The Raiders need at the wide receiver position has been the talk of the offseason. The almost consensus top three receivers Henry Ruggs, CeeDee Lamb, and Jerry Jeudy all seem to swap in mock drafts. But what if they go in a different direction? One player getting the first-round buzz is Brandon Aiyuk from Arizona State.
Aiyuk is a transfer from Juco, who was the primary target for ASU during his senior season. He was fantastic this past year, averaging 18 yards per catch and over 1,100 yards receiving on just 65 receptions. Aiyuk can take it to the house at any moment with his great yards after the catch ability. He is smooth out of his breaks against off coverage and was a genuine deep threat for the Sun Devils.
Why Aiyuk might be a surprise is that he was a leader in the ASU locker room, and that is an attribute that Mike Mayock covets in a player. He was one of the Raiders targets during the combine with a formal visit displaying there is interest in the WR.
If the Raiders pass on one of the top three at No. 12, you might here Aiyuk’s name at No. 19.
Zack Baun LB, Wisconsin
The Raiders have been weak at the linebacker position for years and added much-needed talent during free agency. The addition of Nick Kwitkoski and Cory Littleton will be huge for the defense. Linebacker seems to be off the table for most fans but enters the versatility of LB from Wisconsin Zack Baun.
Baun is one of the most versatile linebackers in draft dabbling at both off the ball linebacker and as an edge rusher while at Wisconsin. He plays the run well and can make plays in coverage with at least one interception the last two seasons. Where Baun is exceptional is his pass-rushing ability accumulating 12.5 sacks and a 16 percent pressure rate according to Pro Football Focus, which was ninth in the nation.
Baun checks all the leadership boxes as well and adds high athleticism to his overall package. The Raiders need playmakers on defense more than ever, and Baun can be a player who can help immediately upgrade the defense.
Grant Delpit S, LSU
While the Raiders focused on linebacker during free agency, the secondary is still a glaring need for the defense. They added safety Demarious Randall late in the process but again could look for upgrades at the safety position. One player who was herald as one of the best in the nation before the draft process was safety Grant Delpit from LSU.
Delpit might be one of the best safeties in the draft when it comes to pass coverage. LSU safety has excellent instincts and ball skills. He does an excellent job covering in the slot as well, displaying the ability to hang with tight ends in man to man coverage.
Of course, the biggest issue with Delpit is the tackling issue he has had for the past two seasons. He has missed over 36 tackles since 2018, according to PFF, and is a diving arm tackler.
However, Delpit pedigree and overall accomplishments might have him high on the Raiders draft board, especially playing the chiefs twice a year.
