Draft week is officially here. Scouting is finished, big boards are finalized and all that remains is making final predictions before seeing how it all shakes out. This is my final mock draft for the Las Vegas Raiders before draft day, covering all seven rounds with trades included.
For this simulation, all picks are generated using NFL Mock Draft Database. The Raiders’ selections are determined by a combination of consensus rankings, my own big board and intuition gleaned from reading the tea leaves about who Las Vegas might target. Let’s get started.
Raiders 7-Round Mock Draft: This is it…
Round 1, Pick No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This pick has not changed since January. It is not changing now. The Raiders have their chance at a franchise quarterback. Moving on…
Round 2, Pick No. 36: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Full disclosure: McDonald would be a surprise if he were still available on Day 2. He sits 25th on my board with a late-first-round grade, yet a number of mock drafts have him sliding out of the first round. If that happens, Las Vegas should sprint the card in without hesitation.
McDonald is a space-eating monster against the run, routinely holding his gap against double teams thanks to his overwhelming strength. His one limitation at this stage is his pass-rush production, which remains underdeveloped. At just 21 years old, however, there is plenty of time for that to change. Even if it does not, his ability to command attention in the middle of Las Vegas’ defensive front makes him a valuable addition regardless.
Round 3, Pick No. 67: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
The Raiders have plenty of offensive weapons, but one key piece remains missing: a true X receiver. At 6 feet 4 inches and over 200 pounds with 4.4 speed, Hurst fits the bill perfectly.
Small-school prospects typically draw concerns about how their production will translate to the next level, but the Georgia State wideout is an outlier. His tape reveals an impressive array of releases and excellent technique at the catch point. A “hands catcher” by nature, Hurst flashes his ability late on deep balls, tracking them with ease. That combination of size and speed would give the Raiders a big target capable of taking the top off opposing defenses. If he is still available in the third round, he is a no-brainer selection.
Trade Alert
With some of their biggest needs filled in the first two days and nobody super tantalizing on the board, the Raiders could look to slide back to kick off day three. In this case, the Packers come calling.
- Las Vegas receives: Picks 120, 153, and 201
- Green Bay receives: Pick 102
With the move back, the Raiders possess two picks almost back to back (117 and 120) late in the fourth round.
Round 4, Pick No. 117: Logan Jones, IOL, Iowa
On the surface, drafting a center after signing Tyler Linderbaum may not make much sense. Jones, however, has the versatility to move to guard if he adds bulk, which makes this pick more logical than it appears. As a recent convert from the defensive line, he is still developing the right body type and learning the nuances of playing on the offensive side of the ball. What he already brings is the strength, nastiness and athleticism needed to compete in the trenches.
In the short term, Jones provides quality depth at multiple spots and could push for playing time at guard. Long term, he projects as a potential starter at the position and, eventually, a successor to Linderbaum at center.
A couple of picks later, Las Vegas is back on the clock.
Round 4, Pick No. 120: Markel Bell, OT, Miami
With their second fourth-round pick, the Raiders double down along the offensive line. Last season highlighted the urgent need for more depth at the position in Las Vegas, and Day 3 presents a valuable opportunity to address this issue. Bell is a perfect example.
At 6 feet 9 inches and nearly 350 pounds, the behemoth tackle from Miami brings both upside and a solid floor. Worst-case scenario, he projects as one of the better swing tackles in the league. At best, he could win the right tackle job outright or eventually serve as the long-term replacement for the oft-injured Kolton Miller on the left side.
With the trenches now solidified, the Raiders can afford to take some big swings with seven picks still remaining.
Related: Building a Raiders team worthy of Fernando Mendoza
Round 4, Pick No. 134: VJ Payne, DB, Kansas State
Safety is an under-the-radar need for the Raiders. With only three on the roster, all of whom underwhelmed last season, Las Vegas must add at least one in this class who can provide depth and push for a starting role. Payne fits that description well. He has the size to line up in the box and the athleticism to play deep, giving the Raiders a versatile option in the backend of their defense.
Round 5, Pick No. 153: Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
The Raiders return to the defensive line with this pick, though Harris represents a very different type of prospect. At 6 feet 8 inches and 330 pounds, he offers rare length for the position and the potential to develop into a quality pocket pusher as a pass rusher. His size alone could make him a factor on special teams, where he has the wingspan to alter or block kicks.
Before pulling the trigger, however, the Raiders would need to do extensive due diligence on his arrest record, which is a legitimate concern that cannot be overlooked at this stage of the process.
Round 5, Pick No. 175: Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
The Raiders return to the secondary with their third fifth-round pick. The cornerback room has starting-caliber talent on the outside, but the depth behind those starters leaves something to be desired. Taking a flier on Masses on Day 3 addresses that concern directly. He brings excellent ball skills to the position, and his floor projects as a high-end backup with the upside to contribute sooner than expected.
Round 6, Pick No. 185: Robert Henry Jr., RB, UTSA
Full disclosure: Henry is one of my favorite prospects in this year’s class, but the pick is more than personal preference. The Raiders desperately need a back to complement Ashton Jeanty, and Henry fits the profile well. He has a natural feel for zone schemes, and his burst makes him an ideal change-of-pace option in Las Vegas’ backfield.
Round 6, Pick No. 201: Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
Take a couple of minutes to watch Murdock’s highlights. He is one of the most entertaining players in this class, with a physicality that jumps off the screen. The concern is whether his size and speed will translate to the linebacker position at the NFL level. That said, if he spends the next several years lighting people up on special teams, the Raiders will consider it a worthwhile investment.
Round 6, Pick No. 208: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
Shelton may not fill a pressing need at this stage of the draft, but his value in the sixth round is too good to pass up. He profiles as a versatile reserve who could provide quality depth at both tackle and guard, with the upside to eventually push for a starting role.
Round 7, Pick No. 219: Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas
The Raiders close out the draft by taking a flier on a long, athletic edge rusher. Burke may never develop into a three-down player at the next level, but his ability to generate pass-rush pressure makes him a worthwhile gamble as a situational third-down weapon.
*Top Photo: Official Raiders Website/Getty