Raiders’ winners and losers from the 2021 NFL Draft

Now, that the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2021 NFL draft is complete, let’s look at some players who were already on the team’s roster that the draft could have affected, either positively or negatively.

Winners

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Nathan Peterman:
Despite rumors throughout the draft, the Raiders never selected a quarterback. That enhances Nathan Peterman’s chances of sticking around as the No. 3 signal caller again.

Raiders’ skill-position players:
The Raiders didn’t draft a running back, wide receiver or tight end. So the bottom-of-the-roster players at these spots should feel good.

Defensive tackles:
The Raiders didn’t take any defensive tackles even though they have none under contract for the 2022 season. So there are opportunities for all of these veterans. Still, expect the Raiders to take a defensive tackle early next year.

Losers

Johnathan Abram:
The Raiders drafted Divine Deablo (who also may play linebacker) and Tyree Gillespie in the mid-rounds. They both fit Gus Bradley’s defense. If Abram — who was taken in the first round two years ago, continues to struggle — he could be pushed.

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Amik Robertson:
The Raiders took Nate Hobbs in the fifth round out of Illinois. He will be given a chance to be the slot corner. Robertson was drafted in the fourth round last year to do that. It could be a battle between the two in a crowded cornerback room.

Tanner Muse:
Deablo seems like a Muse-like player, a linebacker/safety tweener. Will there be room for both of them? Muse, who didn’t play at all after being a third-year pick last year, needs to have a big training camp.