4 Florida Prospects Raiders Must Consider in 2021 NFL Draft

The 2021 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away, and just like every other team, the Las Vegas Raiders are getting ready. Although they won’t have a realistic shot at drafting Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, there are other Gators they should consider targeting.

Look, Pitts is one of the most talented tight end prospects in recent years and whoever ends up with him is going to get themselves a playmaker. However, he isn’t the only Gator worth a selection in the draft. Here are four Florida prospects the Raiders should consider kicking the tires on.

The Raiders could target these fours Gators at different points of the draft

Kadarius Toney

The Raiders are still looking for a bonafide number-one receiver. Sophomore Henry Ruggs III or free-agent acquisition John Brown could end up becoming that player but it’s not a sure thing. In the meantime, they need to keep throwing darts until they hit the proverbial bullseye. Thus, they should strongly consider drafting Kadarius Toney in the first round.

Toney has great short-area quickness and elite change of direction, which helps him get away from opposing cornerbacks. The wide receiver doesn’t have top-end speed and needs to improve his route-running. The Raiders could take him with the 17th overall pick and take an offensive tackle, their most pressing need, in the second round.

Outlook: Round 1

Kyle Trask

Kyle Trask isn’t a top quarterback prospect but there are plenty of things to like about him. First, he’s shown improvement every year. Moreover, he’s not afraid of standing tall in the pocket and can make all kinds of throws. On the other hand, watching him play will bring back memories of Drew Bledsoe and Byron Leftwich.

Trask has heavy feet and can’t scramble. While he could get away with that at Florida, that could be cause for concern in the NFL. Also, he needs to work on his ball placement, something he could do with the Raiders. Jon Gruden likes quarterbacks, he hasn’t been able to develop many but he likes them nonetheless. They could groom Trask as a backup quarterback. After all, Las Vegas can’t keep signing Nathan Peterman every offseason… or can they?

Outlook: Round 3