Raiders 2021 draft: Alabama prospects to watch

Earlier, we looked a potential Clemson draft prospects who could be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders based on recent history of the team picking Tigers.

While the Clemson pipeline has been heavy under Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock, the pair also love drafting players from Alabama. They took running back Josh Jacobs in the first round in 2019, and then wide receiver Henry Ruggs III in the first round in 2020. They also signed guard Lester Cotton as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

There is no doubt that Gruden and Mayock are closely studying players from Nick Saban’s powerhouse this spring.

Let’s look at some players from the Crimson Tide who the Raiders could select in the April 29-May 1 draft.

Guard Deonte Brown:
Brown is massive at 6’3, 344 pounds. He is powerful and a good, fundamentally-sound run blocker, which is important to the Raiders. But he does have some limitations. However, if Las Vegas offensive line coach Tom Cable likes his ceiling, Brown could be a play in the fourth round.

Tackle Alex Leatherwood:
This could be a target at No. 48 for Las Vegas. Leatherwood is an athletic, versatile player who has experience at both guard and tackle. Some scouts feel like he may project as a guard longterm in the NFL, however, he should be played at right or left tackle first. If the Raiders think Leatherwood is a fit at right tackle for them, he may be a real possibility in the second round.

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Linebacker Dylan Moses:
If available, Moses could be a great choice for the Raiders at either No. 79 or No. 80 in the third round. He is versatile and has played all three linebacker spots, which is something for a player at Alabama. He projects as a starting outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. The Raiders need to develop a young linebacker and Moses makes a lot of sense.