The Las Vegas Raiders are inching closer and closer to being able to compete for a playoff appearance. Jon Gruden and company have a good core built, but they need to add to it in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. Thankfully, this draft class is loaded with talent and the Raiders should be able to find quite a few quality players who will be able to make an immediate impact.
At this point in time, the Raiders have quite a few needs to address. Among them is help at offensive tackle, cornerback, and possibly safety. They could also simply look to draft the best talent available with their selections.
Mike Mayock and company have their work cut out for them and they will make their first pick at No. 17 overall if things stay as they are. In the second round, they hold the No. 48 overall pick. Being able to snag an instant starter in the first round is an obvious key, but finding a starter in the second and third rounds of the draft separate good teams from serious contenders.
Looking specifically at their second-round pick, the Raiders should be able to find a starting talent. In that No. 48 range, there are quite a few prospects who could fit exactly what Las Vegas needs to find.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three perfect options for the Raiders at No. 48 overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
3. Samuel Cosmi, Offensive Tackle, Texas
First up, we're going to take a look at a way the Raiders could make an impact on their offensive line. Samuel Cosmi may not be talked about as an elite offensive tackle prospect, but he has been extremely underrated. He has instant starter ability and would be a quality pick with this selection for Las Vegas.
Standing in at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, he is a huge and intimidating presence on the line. In order to get the most out of their offense, the Raiders need to protect their quarterback better. Cosmi could be a big part of keeping Derek Carr healthy and upright.
Cosmi is not going to be the kind of pick that “wows” anyone. The fans may not love it, but Carr and the offense would love it right off the bat in his rookie season
2. Kelvin Joseph, Cornerback, Kentucky
Another need that we have mentioned the Raiders need to focus on in this NFL Draft is finding more help at cornerback. With this selection, they could take a look at Kentucky standout Kelvin Joseph. He would be well worth a shot with this pick.
During the 2020 season with the Wildcats, Joseph racked up 25 total tackles to go along with four interceptions, a defended pass, and one defensive touchdown. Those numbers are very strange, as the defended passes to interception ratio just doesn't add up like it normally does. However, Joseph has big-time potential.
There are some major concerns surrounding Joseph due to how many penalties he could get called for and his unpolished game. But, other teams will love that he can make sure tackles and the raw potential that he possesses. Joseph may not be a surefire prospect, but the Raiders could take a look at him at No. 48 overall.
1. Richie Grant, Safety, UCF
Finally, the best route the Raiders could go with this pick would be adding a talented, young safety to their roster. UCF star Richie Grant is projected to be available around this pick and he would be a worthy selection. Las Vegas would then have two young safeties in Grant and Johnathan Abram to build around moving forward.
Grant put together a massive four-year career with the Knights. He compiled 290 total tackles in that time frame and also recorded a sack, six forced fumbles, 10 interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and 18 defended passes.
The Raiders would be getting an excellent combination of playmaking and run support. Grant is a sure tackler, but has the instincts and athleticism to make plays on the football. If there was a “perfect pick” at No. 48, this would be it for the Raiders.
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