The Las Vegas Raiders are moving on from their long-time franchise quarterback this offseason. With Derek Carr out, concerns now shift to how the offense will look in the future. In terms of the NFL Draft, who they bring in will surely determine how they attack this year’s player selection meeting. For this mock draft scenario, we’ll assume that the Raiders opted to bring in Tom Brady for at least one year. In addition, general manager Dave Ziegler decides to address the defense via NFL free agency, now possessing extra financial flexibility with Carr gone.
Before continuing on with this mock draft scenario, keep in mind that Brady comes to the Raiders and the defense is addressed through free agency. In other words, save your comments if you didn’t read the entire publication. Ok, ready? Let’s check out one of many possibilities come April.
Raiders NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 – Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Raiders need to quickly address their offensive line. Picking up overpriced free agents isn’t going to cut it, but neither is picking up substandard options to place a band-aid on the issue. Ziegler should focus his efforts on acquiring game-changing defensive talent for Patrick Graham; proven veteran commodities. If he does this, going with O-line prospects often and early makes sense. Use the Trent Baalke model, the same one that brought him success with the San Francisco 49ers and now the Jacksonville Jaguars. You do this by selecting Peter Skoronski from Northwestern with the seventh pick.
Despite Kolton Miller’s struggles down the stretch, he’ll be the starting left tackle in 2023. This leaves Skoronski competing for the starting job on the right side. The six-foot-four, 315-pound behemoth is a remarkable offensive lineman, an all-around prospect with few weaknesses. He projects to be an instant starter at the next level. Having been a starter since his freshman year, Skoronski possesses the perfect blend of athleticism, skill, and strength required to thrive in the NFL. In fact, you could argue that the Raiders would be getting the “most NFL-ready” prospect from this year’s draft class in terms of offensive linemen.
Raiders NFL Mock Draft: Round 2 – Andrew Vorhees, IOL, USC
Besides having the coolest last name of any prospects, Andrew Vorhees also gives the Raiders a boost in the interior. Overall, the O-line needs a facelift. There are definitely some hopeful pieces in place, including Dylan Parham, whom you figure will be moved to the center position to save money on Andre James’ contract. This means that the guard positions should be an open competition.
As one of the highest-graded interior linemen, Vorhees possesses the right physical tools, including a 6-foot-6, 325-pound frame. In terms of his pass-blocking and run-blocking ability, Vorhees fared well with Pro Football Focus. He was awarded solid grades across the board: 81.9 overall, 80.1 in pass-blocking, and 82.5 in run-blocking. A well-rounded prospect with a powerful lower body and noticeable leg power—more than enough to knock defenders off their feet. Along with his strength, Vorhees has notable lateral speed and movement; he can pull and be your lead blocker. Last time we checked, Josh Jacobs will need all the help he can get, assuming he comes back.
Just imagine it: a unit with Miller, Skoronski, Parham, and Vorhees, and one open guard slot up for grabs.
Raiders NFL Mock Draft: Round 3 – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
If Brady does indeed join the Raiders, the consensus, according to beat writers, is that the team will forego the quarterback position in the first round. That’s fine, mostly because Ziegler can still land himself a project in the third round. Hendon Hooker is one of the most intriguing prospects who saw his draft stock take a hit due to injury. Nevertheless, he threw 58 touchdowns in the last two seasons with just five interceptions to his name in that run. It’s pretty impressive, more so when you realize he did it against SEC defenses.
Along with being the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year in his respective conference, Hooker was often in the top ten and five of several key categories during the last two seasons in college. While he won’t need to start out of the gate, Raiders fans can look forward to his quick release and nice arm. Hooker will make those tight throws in space and will get the ball to Hunter Renfrow at the intermediate level when the time comes. He’s got adequate size with his frame and won’t be afraid of taking off and making things happen with his legs. Hooker rushed for over 1,000 yards the last two seasons; in case you were wondering.
It’s a new era with Derek Carr moving on…
2023 will be the start of something new. For the first time in almost a decade, the Raiders will have a new starting quarterback. Derek Carr is all but gone; he even said goodbye to Raider Nation today. While Carr stabilized the quarterback position for the Silver and Black, he couldn’t lift them out of the abyss, save for a couple of short-lived playoff appearances. This new regime comes from championship stock, not one into “appearances.” They’re going to do things their way, without Derek Carr. If Brady is indeed the short-term answer, loading up the offensive line makes too much sense. Give offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo some special talent to work with and see what happens.
*Top Photo: Official Raiders Website
