In a scenario where Derek Carr is the Las Vegas Raiders quarterback in 2022, he’ll need help. Due to a draft class that’s thin at quarterback, reloading the offense and rolling with “4” might be the smart route.
Carr continues to be the subject of heated debate among both fans and the media alike. Nonetheless, the Raiders are back in the win column following a hard-fought win in Cleveland. Yes, the playoffs are still a possibility, and the more the team wins, the lower they drop in next April’s draft order. For the purpose of this scenario, let’s say the Raiders end up in the 15th–17th slot. In addition, the Raiders’ brass decides that Carr is indeed their best option for 2022 due to several factors, chief among them the upcoming crop of signal-callers. Call it lazy or playing it safe, but if Carr does indeed stay put, next April will be of the utmost importance.
The Silver and Black lost Henry Ruggs III after his reckless tragedy, so they’re without a true number one wideout. The run game also regressed, and now the team has to replenish the offensive line, particularly its interior. It might seem like a stretch, but reloading the offense is more than doable in 2022. Let’s take a look!
1st Round: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Las Vegas needs to desperately address their wide receiver corps next offseason. Zay Jones should not be playing a large number of snaps and while DeSean Jackson can still fly, he’s not a viable long-term answer either. The team does have one of the NFL’s most underrated receivers in Hunter Renfrow and that won’t be changing anytime soon. But adding Chris Olave could be instantly boost this offense, he’d be an immediate impact player.
The six-foot-one Buckeye is arguably the most polished wide receiver and even if he isn’t his potential big plays makes up for any shortcomings. He has solid (not great) hands but has some of the best route running you’ll see on college tape. Kyle Crabbs of the Draft Network raves about said route running, “Olave should be considered one of the best route-runners in the 2022 NFL Draft. Whether he’s working on the hard-breaking routes back to the line of scrimmage, implementing double moves to work vertically, or working across the middle with deep over/cross patterns, Olave has the savvy in selling false breaks and taking winning angles to maximize his availability to the quarterback.”
A speedster that can create separation, has reliable hands, and possesses crisp route running. That sounds like someone the Raiders need.
Chris Olave is the best WR returning to College Football 😤
pic.twitter.com/TD5Gs87wM2— Footballismâ„¢ (@FootbaIIism) May 26, 2021
2nd Round: Zion Johnson, Interior OL, Boston College
The Raiders’ run game has been a disaster this year. Losing Denzelle Good was devastating. Richie Incognito never recovered, and thus his void was felt in the interior. Andre James has steadily improved and could indeed be the long-term answer at center. The fact is, the offensive line’s interior should be one of the top three needs next offseason. If Zion Johnson were available in the second round, it would behoove Las Vegas to pounce on the run game specialist.
You don't want to find yourself in the path of Zion Johnson
(LT here, will most likely play iOL in NFL) pic.twitter.com/n7uEdAzFhX
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) December 13, 2021
The six-foot-three, 316-pound Bowie, Maryland native might not be the tallest guard in this class, but his on-field results speak for themselves. Helping to plow the way for Boston College’s rushing attack, Johnson graded impressively according to Pro Football Focus. He accumulated an 84.4 run-blocking grade, which was also his overall grade for this season.
The NFL Draft Bible also seconds this stance, citing his dominance, mentioning, “Johnson can get to the 2nd level with ease and can identify and latch onto defenders. Few players have the understanding Johnson does when moving to the 2nd level, which is why he is rarely out of position. As a run blocker, Johnson does an excellent job getting inside of defenders’ chests and driving them backward.”
In other words, Johnson is an athletic mauler that will demolish defenders at the line of scrimmage while opening running lanes. The Raiders desperately need someone of Johnson’s caliber to regain their identity in the run game.
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*This mock draft scenario was put together at NFL Draft Mock Database, visit them to build your own mocks!
*Top Photo: Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports