A report Friday of a possible shakeup in the Raiders’ front office, with the Alex Leatherwood pick the tipping point, was denied by a person with close knowledge of the situation.
Vincent Bonsignore
Raiders reporter
Vinny has covered the Raiders extensively in the past, breaking news on their eventual move to Las Vegas and their thwarted return to Los Angeles. Before joining the Review-Journal, he covered the Rams for The Athletic and the Los Angeles Daily News.
The Raiders have the 48th overall pick in the second round and Nos. 79 and 80 in the third Friday, putting them in prime position to add a potential immediate starter.
With higher-ranked tackle prospects such as Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw and Oklahoma State’s Teven Jenkins still available, the Raiders opted for Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood.
Aaron Rodgers reportedly wants out of Green Bay, and the Raiders are one of three teams he’s listed as a potential landing spot.
The Raiders have seven picks in the draft and will look to add a right tackle, free safety, defensive playmakers and depth across the board.
Raiders have big needs at right tackle and free safety, but they should be careful not to draft for need and bypass a superior player.
The Raiders added five defensive linemen during free agency, with end Yannick Ngakoue the top signing for a team that allowed the third-most points in the NFL last season.
The Raiders have just 25 players under contract beyond 2021, meaning they have more draft needs than generally assumed.
Jon Gruden is one of seven NFL head coaches with final say on personnel matters, including the draft. That puts the fate of Raiders GM Mike Mayock and the draft in Gruden’s hands.
The Raiders need someone who will keep opposing offensive coordinators and quarterbacks up at night. Parsons has that kind of ability.
Raiders general manager Mike Mayock says the maturation of Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette is one key to the team’s improvement in 2021.
The family of George Floyd on Wednesday expressed gratitude and understanding for the Raiders’ “I Can Breathe” tweet on Tuesday.
Cornerback Rasul Douglas made 11 starts and finished with a career-high 62 tackles with nine pass breakups last season for the Carolina Panthers.
The rookie season on Tanner Muse was wiped out by a painful toe injury. But the Clemson product is on target for a full return, and he can’t wait.
Raiders mailbag: Sheldon Richardson and Richard Sherman are on the market and fit Gus Bradley’s system perfectly. Are the Raiders interested?