After missing the playoffs for the 17th time in 18 years, the Las Vegas Raiders have work to do in putting together a more competitive roster in a competitive division. With free agency nearly two weeks old, the upcoming NFL draft is the team’s next opportunity to add players who can have a significant impact in 2021.

Las Vegas’ offseason has been highlighted by the players it has lost. By trading Trent Brown and releasing both Richie Incognito and Gabe Jackson, the Raiders have lost 60% of their starting offensive linemen.

Those moves could impact Las Vegas’ early draft decisions. The Raiders are expected to seriously consider taking an offensive lineman with their first-round pick.

Among the prospects being linked to Las Vegas with the No. 17 overall selection are Northwestern offensive lineman Rashawn Slater and Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw. Some mock drafts predict that the Raiders will pick either Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins or Clemson offensive lineman Jackson Carman in the middle of the first round.

Slater might be long gone when the Raiders are up, with some mocks projecting him to go in the top five. A preseason All-American, Slater opted out of the 2020 college football season.

Darrisaw was a First-Team All-ACC selection last season. He is projected to be taken somewhere in the No. 10-20 range.

The Raiders could go with defense in the first round as they overhaul the unit. Las Vegas ranked 25th in total defense last year. Only two teams gave up more points than the Raiders.

The last two mock drafts from nfl.com have Las Vegas drafting Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The 21-year-old won the 2020 Dick Butkus Award, which is given each year to the nation’s top linebacker.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper projects Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis going to the Raiders with the 17th overall pick. Las Vegas might target Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, though he could be off the board.

Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye is a potential first-round option for the Raiders. Miami defensive end Gregory Rousseau could be a good fit for Las Vegas, as well.

The Raiders are expected to target defensive backs, though they might wait until the second or third round to pull the trigger on a safety or cornerback.

Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue has been the Raiders’ biggest addition in free agency. Ngakoue inked a two-year, $26 million contract. Splitting time between the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens, Ngakoue totaled eight sacks and four forced fumbles in 15 games last season.

Only three teams had fewer sacks than Las Vegas in 2020.

The Raiders signed wide receiver John Brown in free agency. Expect Las Vegas to give Derek Carr another target either in the draft or through free agency.

Jon Gruden Oakland Raiders
Jon Gruden looks on during warm-ups prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
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