The Las Vegas Raiders' 2021 draft class is a fascinating case study in the art of drafting, with a mix of hits and misses that tells a story of both promise and potential pitfalls. Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock's final draft together was a curious blend of bold moves and questionable decisions, leaving fans and analysts alike with a lot to ponder. In this article, I'll take a deep dive into the Raiders' 2021 class, exploring the stories behind each pick and the broader implications for the team's future.
The First-Round Reach: Alex Leatherwood
One of the most intriguing picks in the 2021 draft was Alex Leatherwood, a first-round selection who was expected to be a cornerstone of the Raiders' offensive line. However, Leatherwood's time in Las Vegas was short-lived, and his journey since then has been a rollercoaster. Personally, I think Leatherwood's story is a cautionary tale about the risks of reaching for a player who may not be ready for the NFL. After starting four games at right tackle as a rookie, Leatherwood struggled in pass protection and was moved to guard, a desperation move that didn't pan out. The Raiders' decision to trade him to the Chicago Bears in 2023, after he played just 32 offensive snaps, was a clear indication of his struggles. What makes this particularly fascinating is the question of whether the Raiders' front office was too hasty in their evaluation of Leatherwood's potential. The fact that he was a first-round pick, despite his limited playing time and struggles, raises a deeper question about the draft process and the importance of patience in player development.
The Safety Success: Tre'von Moehrig
In contrast to Leatherwood, Tre'von Moehrig was one of the few bright spots in the 2021 draft for the Raiders. Moehrig, a safety from TCU, was a four-year starter for the team and showed versatility by playing both free safety and in the box. His productivity and improvement every year were notable, and his 14 TFLs in 2024 were the most of any safety and second-most of any off-ball defender. The fact that Moehrig landed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Panthers during free agency last summer is a testament to his success. In my opinion, Moehrig's story is a reminder that the Raiders' front office can make smart, strategic decisions, even in the face of a challenging draft class. What this really suggests is that the Raiders' ability to identify and develop players like Moehrig can be a key to their future success, even if it means taking a more patient approach to drafting.
The Edge Rusher's Promise: Malcolm Koonce
Malcolm Koonce, a third-round pick in the 2021 draft, is another player who has shown promise since leaving the Raiders. Koonce, an edge rusher, has signed two contract extensions with the Raiders, making him the first player in franchise history to do so. The fact that Koonce has received one-year, "prove-it" deals during the last two offseasons, after missing all of 2024 with a torn ACL, is a testament to his resilience and determination. One thing that immediately stands out is the Raiders' commitment to Koonce, despite his injuries and the team's changing front office. This raises a deeper question about the Raiders' long-term strategy and their willingness to invest in players who have shown potential, even if it means taking a chance on their health and development.
The Linebacker's Struggles: Divine Deablo
Divine Deablo, a third-round pick in the 2021 draft, is another player who has had a challenging journey since leaving the Raiders. Deablo, a linebacker, struggled to transition from college safety to the NFL and never really caught on with the team. However, his first season with the Atlanta Falcons was a success, as he finished 12th among linebackers with a 77.7 grade from Pro Football Focus. Deablo's improvement in coverage, recording more PDs in one year with the Falcons than the four he spent with the Raiders, is a testament to his hard work and dedication. What many people don't realize is that Deablo's success with the Falcons may be a fluke, and it remains to be seen whether he can sustain his improved performance. This raises a deeper question about the Raiders' ability to develop players and the importance of evaluating players' long-term potential, rather than just their short-term success.
The Special Teamer's Journey: Tyree Gillespie
Tyree Gillespie, a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft, is another player who has had a challenging journey since leaving the Raiders. Gillespie, a special teamer, was traded to the Tennessee Titans during training camp the following year and has since played for several teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, and the UFL Michigan Panthers. The fact that Gillespie has had such a nomadic career, playing in just three games with the Jaguars and spending time on practice squads, is a testament to the challenges of being a special teamer in the NFL. This raises a deeper question about the Raiders' ability to develop special teamers and the importance of finding players who can contribute on all aspects of the game.
The Nickelback's Struggles: Nate Hobbs
Nate Hobbs, a fifth-round pick in the 2021 draft, is another player who has had a challenging journey since leaving the Raiders. Hobbs, a nickelback, struggled to stay healthy throughout his career and was released by the Green Bay Packers after another injury-filled season. The fact that Hobbs has struggled to stay healthy and has been unable to find a consistent role in the NFL is a testament to the challenges of being a late-round pick. This raises a deeper question about the Raiders' ability to develop players who can contribute on special teams and the importance of finding players who can stay healthy and contribute consistently.
The Center's Journey: Jimmy Morrissey
Jimmy Morrissey, a seventh-round pick in the 2021 draft, is another player who has had a challenging journey since leaving the Raiders. Morrissey, a center, never played a regular-season snap for the team and has since spent time on the practice squads of the Houston Texans, New York Giants, and Indianapolis Colts. The fact that Morrissey has been unable to find a consistent role in the NFL is a testament to the challenges of being a late-round pick and the importance of finding players who can contribute on the practice squad.
In conclusion, the Las Vegas Raiders' 2021 draft class is a fascinating case study in the art of drafting, with a mix of hits and misses that tells a story of both promise and potential pitfalls. The Raiders' ability to develop players and find gems in the late rounds is a key to their future success, but it also raises questions about the team's long-term strategy and their willingness to invest in players who have shown potential. From the first-round reach of Alex Leatherwood to the safety success of Tre'von Moehrig, the edge rusher's promise of Malcolm Koonce, the linebacker's struggles of Divine Deablo, the special teamer's journey of Tyree Gillespie, and the nickelback's struggles of Nate Hobbs, the Raiders' 2021 draft class is a reminder that the draft process is a complex and challenging endeavor, and that the team's ability to navigate it successfully is a key to their future success.
