You have to be careful when it comes to prospects that could be “fool’s gold,” especially if you’re Las Vegas Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler. There are two players on Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft in particular worth talking about.
The draft is six days away (at the time this was written), and Raider Nation is on fire. Depending on who you ask, everyone has an opinion on who should be the selection at pick number seven. They also have opinions on whether the Raiders should trade out of the draft pick, whether it be up or down. What isn’t in agreement is who not to draft in round one.
Raiders NFL Draft: Who does Dave Ziegler need to stay away from?
No touching on offense…
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Rumor has it that Josh McDaniels and the Raiders brass are high on Levis. He certainly has put in the time in the weight room. Having fully recovered from injuries suffered this season, there are many reasons why Levis is a fit for McDaniel’s offense. His intermediate arm strength is top-notch, and he played in a pro-style offense at the University of Kentucky.
“Reasons” are the reason why Levis should not be drafted by the Raiders. Think about this: there are reasons why he was unable to beat out Sean Clifford at Penn State in his freshman and sophomore years prior to transferring to Kentucky. There are reasons why Levis was unable to win the SEC Conference championship in his two seasons at Kentucky.
The Raiders franchise recently parted ways with a long-tenured player who had plenty of reasons why he was unable to win the AFC West. What Raider Nation should be wary of is selecting another quarterback who has reasons for why he isn’t getting it done.
Don’t fall for the hype on defense…
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
In my humble opinion, Carter’s persona and college game closely resemble Darrell Russell. A dominating force at the point of attack. Carter, by all intents and purposes, should be the tip of the Raiders proverbial spear or sword on defense. His tape dictates that he be drafted by a team severely lacking in a player who can do what Carter can do.
However, where Levis had reasons, Carter has flags. Red flags are bad. While at the University of Georgia, the Bulldogs employed a defensive line rotation. There were whole quarters where Carter did not see the field. Additionally, failing to be able to complete drills at pro day is a bad look for a young man who was facing criminal charges for poor decision-making. Throughout his time at Georgia, trouble was never far from him.
Can Carter turn it around? Absolutely, he can; his only issue is the meat between his own ears. Getting into NFL shape will help minimize gas tank issues. NFL coaching will help expand his pass-rush move selection while adding finesse to the bully.
*Top Photo: Lexington Herald Leader/Mark Mahan
Ranking And Examining QB Prospects Post-Pro Days For The Raiders