It’s only March; you cannot be sick of these yet. Pro days have commenced, the Scouting Combine has concluded, and free agency is just beginning. That makes it the perfect time to try another Las Vegas Raiders mock draft. Now, let’s ignite the beloved Pro Football Focus simulator and begin our journey!
Like usual, we will only control the Raiders, but this time we will mock the first three rounds. Also, because they are so difficult to predict, we will not be mocking any trades here.
Round 1: Pick 6
The Board
This is about as good as it could possibly get for Las Vegas. Several great players at key positions of need are still on the board. That being said, the Raiders really only have one option here.
The Raiders Select… Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado
Regardless of the Geno Smith trade, this was a no brainer. I think John Spytek would sprint the card in if this is how things shake out. Sanders already has a firm grip on all the key fundamentals that you need in an NFL quarterback. He is accurate; he understands coverage, and he makes good decisions. These traits give him a very high floor at the next level.
This may seem like a heavy amount of assets to commit to one position in a short timespan, but this is the most valuable position in sports. The Raiders cannot afford to get it wrong. Trading for Smith was still wise, as the draft is unpredictable. Nevertheless, acquiring the 34-year-old should not deter Las Vegas from drafting a potential franchise quarterback if given the opportunity.
Round 2: Pick 37
The Board
Now that the Raiders have their biggest need taken care of, they have a lot of options. With the way things shook out, there are several players still available that I personally have first-round grades on. There are even a few that line up really well with some of the Raiders’ needs.
The Raiders Select… Elic Ayomanor, Wide Receiver, Stanford
Wide receiver may not be the biggest position of need for the Raiders at this point, but it is still needed nonetheless. Ayomanor is just too good to pass up on if he falls this far. He boasts a tremendous combo of size and speed paired with outstanding technical skills. The Stanford product would pair excellently with Jakobi Meyers. Some may want to go running back, but this class is deep enough to wait another round.
Round 3: Pick 68
The Board
Unfortunately, several running backs have come off the board since the Raiders’ last pick. Luckily, there is still plenty of quality talent available. Also, several quality cornerbacks remain on the board as well. Las Vegas has a lot of options.
The Raiders Select… Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback, Notre Dame
Seeing Morrison fall this far is a huge boon for Las Vegas. While PFF may be lower on him, I have a first-round grade on the corner due to his physical nature and stickiness in man coverage. He has the potential to immediately start in Patrick Graham’s defense.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/LM Otero
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