By now, Las Vegas Raiders fans are keenly watching the due diligence being performed by Dave Ziegler and Co. The fact is, there’s been little inclination by anyone within the organization with regard to which way the team’s brass is leaning. At one point, reports surfaced of the team “wining and dining” Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, however unlikely his selection might be. That hasn’t stopped other mock drafts from predicting wild scenarios. Speaking of which, where will Jalen Carter end up landing? If you set aside a disappointing Pro Day, his tape speaks for itself.
Now, quarterback talk aside, the Raiders really need help with their defense. No matter which way you want to look at it, Ziegler needs to walk away with at least three to four defensive starters from this draft. A signal-caller could still be had; it just shouldn’t be in the first round. Right?
Given recent developments, a certain defensive tackle might be an option after all.
Do The Raiders Need To Go All Defense?
Mock Draft: Rd. 1, Pick No. 7: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Let’s face it, the only quarterbacks that the Raiders should be considering in the first round are Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. With Tyree Wilson and Will Anderson gone from the top five, the Raiders need to consider the best remaining defensive player on the board, Georgia’s Jalen Carter.
Why Carter?
As a part of the vaunted Georgia defense, Carter played alongside several collegiate standouts. However, Carter dominated in his own right last year. With seven tackles for a loss and three sacks to his name, Carter showed promise all over the defensive line. He’ll give the Raiders not only a pass-rush presence inside, but he’ll make an impact while defending the run with incredible athleticism.
With little to no weaknesses in his game, Jalen Carter will either bull rush through opponents or out-finesse even the quickest NFL O-linemen.
Mock Draft: Rd. 2, Pick No. 38: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Trading Waller left a void on the Raiders’ offense; while Austin Hooper will likely be a starter, Kincaid gives head coach Josh McDaniels a future star. At 6’4″ and 246 pounds, Kincaid proved to be a monster in college, totaling 70 receptions while averaging just over 14 yards per reception (14.2). While not the greatest blocker, Kincaid’s upside as an explosive threat off the line while possessing crisp, sharp route-running will be hard to pass up. If you’re Ziegler, you were able to get your defensive line cornerstone in Carter, but the focus shifts a bit in the second round. Don’t fret; two selections in the third round allow the Raiders to draft Darren Waller’s future replacement here: Utah’s Dalton Kincaid.
Why Kincaid?
Trading Waller left a void on the Raiders’ offense; while Austin Hooper will likely be a starter, Kincaid gives head coach Josh McDaniels a future star. At 6’4″ and 246 pounds, Kincaid proved to be a monster in college, totaling 70 receptions while averaging just over 14 yards per reception (14.2). While not the greatest blocker, Kincaid’s upside as an explosive threat off the line while possessing crisp, sharp route-running will be hard to pass up.
Mock Draft: Rd. 3, Pick No. 70: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
The Raiders still have Chandler Jones under contract, but Malcolm Koonce still hasn’t shown enough to be considered a future starter. In other words, drafting an edge rusher still needs to be a priority. Drafting Carter does what Patrick Graham yearns to do: unleash Maxx Crosby with someone disrupting the interior. Auburn’s Derick Hall gives the Raiders a promising player with tons of upside.
Why Hall?
Hall has the perfect blend of explosiveness, raw strength, and the physical traits you can’t coach: length and frame. If Hall falls to the third, it’s an absolute steal, and that’ll only happen if NFL scouts feel his pass rush isn’t developed enough to make an immediate impact.
Mock Draft: Rd. 3, Pick No. 100: JL Skinner, DB, Boise State
Graham is done trotting out undersized defensive backs; he wants tall, versatile defenders that can make an immediate impact. Boise State’s JL Skinner gives him a true physical specimen at 6’4″ and just under 210 pounds. He has one of the most notable physical profiles at his position, but on top of that, he has a motor that doesn’t stop, and yes, he’ll stop offensive players in their tracks.
Why Skinner?
Possessing some of the most intimidating tackling you’ll see out of this class, Skinner will be an absolute menace in defending the run. He doesn’t possess notable speed to keep up with receivers one-on-one, but he’ll do just fine playing downhill; he’ll excel in the robber technique. A true box safety.
*Top Photo: John Kelley/Boise State Athletics
