Las Vegas Raiders Mock Draft: Late Round Playmakers Abound

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The Las Vegas Raiders attacked free agency with focused aggression. The 2022 NFL Draft will follow a similar pattern.

Sitting in a prime position to wheel and deal, the Las Vegas Raiders will enter the 2022 NFL Draft with attitude. In all honesty, if they stayed put and orchestrated zero deals, Vegas would not miss a beat or step. Instead, the Raiders would use the draft to fill out whatever remaining holes their roster may possess. However, for the sake of this mock draft, we will pose a draft scenario in which the Raiders moved back in the draft to grab an extra selection. While nothing wild or crazy, the swap makes sense and would shape the roster, allowing for heated camp battles. In that case, the Raiders would send the eighty-sixth pick to the Packers for the picks 92 and 132.

Pick 92 Overall ( Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

The Raiders restructured their secondary, but for as much talent they signed, the unit lacks a hallmark of Patrick Graham: Versatility. Meanwhile, Britt brings that immediately to the table. Although he started as a corner in Lincoln, the former Husker hits like a safety and could see time there. Yet, his arrival could finally put heat on Trayvon Mullen. Remember, none of the 2021 starters were drafted or signed by the current administration. Under those circumstances, a younger, more physical corner with speed to burn aligns with new defensive backs coach Chris Ash.

Nebraska DB Cam Taylor-Britt would be a versatile piece to the Raiders secondary. Originally a CB, he tackles like a safety.@FullPressNFL #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/fj9Og8GnmB

— Full Press Raiders (@FPCRaiders) February 18, 2022

Pick 126 Overall (Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State)

With Jayon Brown and Denzel Perryman, the Raiders could boast a linebacker corps that brings intelligence, recognition, and sound tackling skills to the fold. Rodriguez, despite size limitations, generates force mixed with vision, destroying gaps, and making sound decisions. Granted, stats may not tell an entire story, focus on this one: He forced thirteen fumbles during his tenure in Stillwater.

Pick 132 (Lecitus Smith, G, Virginia Tech)

Blessed with existing size, the interior of the Raiders’ offensive line needs agility. Smith will meet linebackers on pulls and stretches, providing space for the back to operate. On passing downs, he presents enough upside to service as a guard with the potential to eventually fight for time.

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Pick 164 ( Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers)

From the outside, the Raiders look rather solid in their first four receivers. yet, what about the fifth? The guy with the ability to take the top off the defenses. Additionally, Melton would boost the special teams units. In Piscataway, he not only covered kicks but returned them, even one for a touchdown.

Pick 165 ( J.T. Woods, S, Baylor)

Woods, with long levers and excellent speed, provides a natural fit into subpackages. For a rare occasion, the Raiders gain much-needed speed. He can stay hip-to-hip with receivers and make downhill plays as well. Like Melton, special teams duty will be his entry into playing time.

Pick 227 ( Esezi Otomewo, EDGE, Minnesota)

From a strictly developmental project status, Otomewo, checks the boxes. With the frame to operate as a three-tech in a four-man front and the strength to slide into a five-tech, Patrick Graham nabs another versatile piece to the front seven. With that said, don’t expect immediate starter status

Actually Positive Outlook

In years past, the Las Vegas Raiders routinely botched high picks. In contrast, for now, they cannot do that this time. Instead, the team can strengthen aspects of its team with young, athletic talent that will pay dividends in 2022 and beyond.