Dec 13, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) tackles Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines (21) at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In the 2021 NFL draft, many were calling for the Raiders to draft a safety in the first round to help shore up the defense’s back end. Raiders safeties have not been reliable, nor have they performed at a level general manager Mike Mayock or head coach Jon Gruden were comfortable with.
So in the first round this year, Las Vegas went in a totally different direction, picking offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood.