We’re in NFL Draft month — finally. And as such, the number of prognostications and mock scenarios is going to exponentially multiply as we approach the three-day 2023 NFL Draft extravaganza, April 27–29. So, that brings you to this: My 2.0 Las Vegas Raiders mock draft. That being said, what does general manager Dave Ziegler have up his sleeve?
The initial version was a BPA-only version to show what it may look like if the Raiders selected the best player available with each of their 12 picks. This incarnation still takes the BPA approach that both Las Vegas general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels have been boisterously noting is their plan of action. Now, unless both are lying through their teeth — which is possible — the BPA philosophy is still present in this version, however, with the mix of need. That’s something both have said is integral to the process because, if BPA results in a tie on particular prospects, “need” would be the tiebreaker.
So, let’s get into it. I used a number of mock draft simulators to get a flavor and ran scenarios before settling in and engaging with this run through:
7-Round Raiders Mock Draft: Let The Madness Begin…
Round 1
No. 7 overall: Trade! An offer comes from the Tennessee Titans — No. 11 and No. 41 overall picks to move up to seven. I take it, and the Titans draft Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
No. 11 overall: Quarterback, Anthony Richardson (Florida) – If BPA is the way, Ziegler doesn’t hesitate to take AR15 at this spot. Richardson can digest and learn the nuances of McDaniels offense behind starter Jimmy Garoppolo, which will serve him well in the future.
Round 2
No. 38 overall: Tight end, Darnell Washington (Georgia) – The ideal prospect for McDaniels at the position is a menacing blocker who can translate his height, athleticism, and speed as a pass catcher. Washington is hands down the best blocker amongst this year’s tight end class.
No. 41 overall: Linebacker, Drew Sanders (Arkansas) – Just like the pick before him, this linebacker offers freakish athleticism along with a high football IQ. He can immediately slot into the starting middle linebacker spot, where he can captain the defense and offer pass rush skills from the position.
No One Really Knows If Dave Ziegler And The Raiders Are “Trading Up”
Round 3
No. 70 overall: Defensive lineman, Tuli Tuipulotu (USC) – A strong power-rush interior lineman, Tuipulotu can be an interior presence in both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. He has quick feet, which help him be a disruptor at the next level, something the Raiders sorely need at DT.
No. 100 overall: Cornerback, Jartavius Martin (Illinois) – With hybrid potential as a corner and safety, Martin has the speed and size to be a press corner — something that the Raiders added a lot of this offseason. What he lacks in production, he makes up for in smooth play.
Round 4
No. 109 overall: Edge, KJ Henry (Clemson) – A supremely athletic pass rusher that needs refinement, Henry can provide serious speed off the edge in Year 1. With the Raiders lacking another explosive presence opposite Maxx Crosby, Henry can provide that from the outset.
Round 5
No. 141 overall: Offensive lineman, Jordan McFadden (Clemson) – Despite playing very well as a pass protector at right tackle, McFadden may be too short for that position in the pros. But he’d slot in to be a run-blocking bulldozer at guard who can keep the QB clean, too.
No. 144 overall: Cornerback, Cory Trice (Purdue) – A very tall press corner who can cut his teeth on special teams to start, Trice offers size and speed versatility — something the Raiders secondary could use more of.
No. 174 overall: Offensive lineman, Andrew Vorhees (USC) – Vorhees is an injury flier pick (torn ACL) that can turn into a starter down the road. He’s big, strong, and can move, and with a little more refinement, he can be a stout guard in the NFL.
Raiders GM Dave Ziegler gets his quarterback of the future
Round 6
No. 204 overall: Quarterback, Jake Haener (Fresno State) – The Raiders interest in this prospect is well-known. Adding him to the QB room with Richardson to learn behind Garoppolo is a plus, as it gives Las Vegas two prospects who can become solid depth in Year 1.
No. 214 overall: Safety, Trey Dean III (Florida) – A big safety who can either become a special teams stalwart or a subpackage defender. Dean can cover bigger tight ends with his man coverage skills and swat the ball away.
Round 7
No. 220 overall: Linebacker, Anfernee Orji (Vanderbilt) – Orji is pure energy, speed, and aggression. He can immediately come in and ignite the special teams room. He’s always in attack mode, going for the ball, but that can lead to a chaotic frenzy and mistakes, too.
No. 231 overall: Defensive tackle, Karl Brooks (Bowling Green) – A big-nose tackle type that can slot into the spot vacated by Andrew Billings, though he did big things at a small school and can develop into an impact type in the pros.
*Top Photo: Jason Getz/Dawg Nation
No One Really Knows If Dave Ziegler And The Raiders Are “Trading Up”