NFL draft 2021: Two proposed Raiders’ trade ups

Last week, we identified four players who it may be worth the Las Vegas Raiders trading up for.

As a reminder, those players are: Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater, Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, Michigan pass-rusher Kwity Paye, and USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.

It would likely take a lot more to get up to trade for Slater and Parsons than Paye and Vera-Tucker, who may be available when the Raiders pick at No. 17. Slater is a top lineman prospect and Parsons is a an impact defensive playmaker. So, it might behoove the Raiders to consider making a play for both.

Let’s look at what it may take to get both Slater and Parsons. My proposal is going to be my ceiling for both trades.

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Parsons:
I think Parsons’ sweet spot is at No. 10. He’d be a great value and worth a play there. If all the quarterbacks are off the board, the Denver Broncos could bring Parsons to the AFC West at No. 9. If not, I don’t thinks Parsons gets past the New York Giants at No. 11.

So, perhaps the Raiders could call the Dallas Cowboys about the No. 10 pick. Dallas could be interested in sliding down because they are looking at cornerbacks and it’s a deep draft in the top 20 at that spot. I’d offer No. 17 and No. 48 for No. 10 and No. 115 (fourth round) to get to Parsons. I know getting rid of the second round pick isn’t great, but Parsons can help change the Las Vegas defense, so he’s worth it. Plus, the Raiders could use the extra pick from Dallas to move up to the top of the third round pairing with either No. 79 or No. 80.

Slater:
It may take more to get to Slater. I think No. 8 is the limit for him, but the Carolina Panthers may want to take him with the pick. Still, I think the Raiders can offer No. 17 and No. 48 for No. 8.

Yes, it’s a steep price, but if the Raiders think Slater is, by far, the best option at right tackle, it will be worth it. Always remember, there is a big difference between No. 8 and No. 48, so the price isn’t that awful. Also, those two third round picks would be of value in the trade up game to make up for the lost second-round pick.