The Las Vegas Raiders are currently slated to have the second overall pick heading into Week 7 of the 2022 NFL season. There’s still plenty of football left to be played this year. However, these recent Raiders draft odds and projections aren’t looking too good. If this team ends up in the top five, it’ll surely go down as a complete failure under first-year head coach Josh McDaniels. In a season that had lofty expectations thanks in part to a headline-filled offseason, anything less than a playoff appearance will have Raider Nation clamoring for change.
Be that as it may, let’s assume the worst. As of right now, the Raiders would have the option of going with an elite pass-rushing prospect or a much-heralded quarterback.
Raiders Draft Odds: Who would be the pick at No. 2?
Again, this scenario is based on the latest odds that have the Raiders picking second next April. With that being said, according to a recent mock scenario by The Draft Network, the Raiders could choose between Alabama’s edge rusher, Will Anderson Jr., and Will Levis, the signal-caller from Kentucky.
As most Raiders fans know by now, the team desperately needs an upgrade in terms of pass rush. Chandler Jones was brought in to alleviate that issue this past offseason. Unfortunately, he’s failed to live up to his contract. While sacks are considered the “sexy” stat (they’re often the focal point among fans when discussing pass rush), the fact is, Jones has none heading into Week 7. Perhaps, adding Anderson makes sense, especially if the Raiders’ losing ways continue. Then again, drafting an interior defensive lineman is arguably a more important need.
“This is a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned. The Raiders don’t have a need at quarterback and while a trade down here could be enticing, landing the best overall talent to pair with Maxx Crosby amid Chandler Jones’ quiet season feels like the right move for the Raiders to construct a fearsome long-term pass-rush duo.”
Will Las Vegas draft a quarterback?
Kyle Crabbs, who wrote that mock, states that the Raiders don’t have a need at quarterback. Well, that’s technically true, for now at least. That’s the thing with a mock draft this early in the season, anything can happen. Derek Carr could very well lead the Raiders back to the playoffs. If that happens, you have to wonder if Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels will opt to keep Carr beyond 2022. On the other hand, if the losing persists and this particular mock scenario becomes a likelihood, Carr might not figure into the Raiders’ long-term plans. Of course, this is all conjecture at the moment.
“Playing in an offensive system that has a lot of parallels to many pro systems, Levis’ two years as a starter in Lexington should serve as helpful learning experiences as he transitions to the NFL.”
At this moment, Levis is slated to go into the top five next April. As Crabbs pointed out, Levis’ participation in a pro-like system will allow him to transition to the NFL. Would McDaniels and Ziegler be interested? It’s too soon to tell. As it stands, fans are likely to lean towards drafting a premier pass-rushing prospect more than anything.
The Raiders’ Defensive Line Needs To Build Off Of Week 5 Effort
*Top Photo: ESPN/NCAAF