Silver Minings: QBs could help Las Vegas in first round of 2021 draft

More quarterbacks taken early benefits the Raiders, who have 17th pick

NFL mock drafts are starting to drop (and they won’t stop dropping for another three-plus months). With the Las Vegas Raiders drafting No. 17 in the first round, fans need to root for this trend to develop: An early run on quarterbacks.

Some mocks have four quarterbacks getting drafted in the top-10 picks — with Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, Ohio State’s Justin Fields, BYU’s Zach Wilson and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance all going off the board. Alabama’s Mac Jones may go early as well. That would shorten the board for the Raiders, who will be looking for defensive help at No. 17.

So, if four quarterback are selected early, the Raiders will get the 13th best non-quarterback, which could give them a chance to draft the fifth-seventh best defensive player available.

The draft process is just beginning, but this would be a positive trend for the Raiders if it plays out.

In other Raiders links:

• How to fix Cory Littleton? The Athletic examines,
• RIP: Sheldon Adelson, who was a big part of the early push to bring the Raiders to Las Vegas, has died.
• Comparing units: Here is a look at Gus Bradley’s recent defenses compared to the Raiders.
• Five reasons: The Athletic gives five reasons why Bradley is the Raiders’ new defensive coordinator.
• Raiders sign receiver: The Raiders added slot receiver Trey Quinn.