Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen fewer and fewer mocks give the Raiders a pass rusher at No. 17. However, that may not be a wise decision as that is still an area of need for the team and there is a chance that an EDGE rusher might just be the best player available when they pick.
One possible pick for the Raiders could be Azeez Ojulari, as he is widely regarded as one of the best pass rushers in the class. As a 20-year old, he led the SEC in tackles for a loss, sacks and forced fumbles in 2020. He’s a bendy, speed rusher who just knows how to get to the quarterback.
On top of his production, he is also an outstanding person and leader in the locker room. He is the first-ever freshman team captain in Georgia history and is well-known for his work ethic and leadership ability. That alone makes him an intriguing pick in the first round.
In a recent mock draft by Danny Kelly of The Ringer, he gave the Raiders the Georgia EDGE rusher at No. 17. Here was his reasoning behind the selection:
“The Raiders ranked 29th in total sacks last year, recording just 21. The addition of free agent Yannick Ngakoue should help, but Las Vegas can’t stop there. Ojulari is slightly undersized at 6-foot-2, 249 pounds, but he makes up for it with excellent length (he measured in with 34 ⅜-inch arms and an 82 ½-inch wingspan at his pro day), an explosive first step, and bendy agility. He’d be a nice boost to Las Vegas’s pass rush rotation.”
Ojulari’s top comparison is Ngakoue, and that’s not too far off. However, Ojulari is a much more athletic player coming out of college with a much longer wingspan.
If the Raiders were to select Oulari at No. 17, that would be among the best possible picks they could make. It would improve the pass rush and give them four defensive ends that can all get to the quarterback.
With just a week to go until the NFL draft, keep an eye on Ojulari as a possible selection at No. 17.
