2022 Raiders Mock Draft: Pre-Combine

With the Senior, Collegiate, and Shrine Bowl in the rearview, the Las Vegas Raiders can set their eyes on the 2022 NFL Combine. To the dismay of many in the media and fanbase, the mock draft season started. As a result, if you’re not a fan, avert your eyes to this and the six other mocks that will occur before the first name is called on April 28th. The Raiders need not only starters but the depth with the ability to evolve into starters. Also, this is contingent on the team being rather active in free agency. Below, are the picks and the rationale.

First Round (22nd overall) DeMarvin Leal (DT, Texas A&M)

Rationale

2021 standout Darius Philon is coming off a serious knee injury and is a free agent. Leal offers an upgrade in versatility, playing at every spot on the line. With his reflexes and ability to get home, the Raiders would boast a strong interior, even if they bring Philon back on a team-friendly deal. Leal’s blend of heavy hands and explosive feet would immediately start.

Second Round (53rd overall) Darian Kinnard (OL, Kentucky)

Rationale

After years of enjoying stellar interior line play, Vegas regressed in 2021. Alex Leatherwood became a top-10 lineman in the NFL Unfortunately, the category was penalties. Meanwhile, Kinnard, the Kentucky standout, harkens back to the days of Kelechi Osemele in frame. Additionally, Kinnard finishes his blocks, never bullied and manhandled. If Leatherwood can fix the issues, two-thirds of the offensive line is set for the next four years.

Third Round (86th overall) Romeo Doubs (WR, Nevada)

Rationale

Granted, the Raiders will address outside receiver in free agency. Yet, the team still lacks another player on the other side. Neither Zay Jones nor Bryan Edwards shows the ability to win with speed. Doubs’ second gear, and ability to track the ball will earn him ample playing time. Plus, this frees Hunter Renfrow up to thrive in the slot.

Fourth Round (124th overall) Braxton Jones (OT, Southern Utah)

Rationale

Brandon Parker cannot man the right tackle spot. Plus, the Raiders will commit some cap space to a proven veteran. For Jones, the long-armed prospect from the Big Sky, he will learn and develop, functioning early as a swing tackle. Later, if he progresses, the right tackle job would be his. The ability to combat power with power and enough agility to meet at the edge will suit him well as he develops.

Sixth Round (163rd overall) Matt Hankins (CB, Iowa)

Rationale

If you look around the cornerback room, behind free-agent-to-be Casey Hayward, Trayvon Mullen and Nate Hobbs feels empty. The Raiders need an aggressive corner that can operate in a myriad of schemes. Hankins blend of length and scheme versatility would immediately improve the construct of the defense in subpackages.

Sixth Round (164th overall) David Anenih (Edge, Houston)

Rationale

Carl Nassib, his bloated contract, and four sacks in two seasons must find their way off the roster. What the Raiders sorely lack on the edge in depth. Anenih played both end and rush linebacker at Houston. The first thing you notice about Anenih is the burst and nearly seven-foot wingspan would give the Raiders another edge threat, capable of tallying three to five sacks.

Seventh Round (224th overall) Smoke Monday (DB, Auburn)

Rationale

New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham prefers versatility in his defensive backfield. Moreover, Monday easily solves the issues that Dallin Leavitt caused, which was a scary lack of spatial awareness and coverage ability. At this point in the draft, the Raiders could also target special teams talent, as well as subpackage flexibilities. Monday, like Hankins, brings the right mentality to the new defense.

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