2023 Raiders Mock Draft: Version 5.0

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The Las Vegas Raiders possess twelve picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Yet, they still do not have any margin for error. No mistakes.

The Las Vegas Raiders sit in an advantageous spot now. They can change the landscape of their entire franchise with sound drafting. However, if you’ve watched this team over the last two decades or so, you would understand that hope for substantive change remains low. If the Raiders choose the smart path, never deviating from logic, they should parlay this draft class into something positive.

First Round, Pick 7 (Christian Gonzalez, Oregon, Cornerback)

In 2022, Raider cornerbacks allowed fifteen touchdown passes. Playing in the AFC West could see that number increase if they don’t address a glaring need on the outside.  With Gonzalez, Vegas would employ a corner big enough to play physically with bigger wideouts and fast enough to stay with explosive ones.

Second Round, Pick 38 (Hendon Hooker, Tennessee, Quarterback)

Despite Jimmy Garoppolo’s signing, the Raiders still need a quarterback of the future. Granted, Hooker may sit for a stretch, but his stock continues to rise despite the knee injury and overage concerns. Hooker’s arm talent and ability to scan the field, make every throw, and lead the offense stands out.

Third Round, Pick 70 (Siaki Ika, Baylor, Defensive Tackle)

After spending middle-round draft capital draft talent last season on defensive interior talent, the Raiders dive back into the pool. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham appreciates impact players on the inside. Baylor’s Siaki Ika would fill more than a few voids. With his immense size, he easily occupies multiple blockers, freeing up teammates to make the play. Singled up, Ika can defeat the blocker with sheer force and power.

Fourth Round, Pick 100 (Demarvion Overshown, Texas, Linebacker)

Behind the pass rush, the Raiders could not field linebackers capable of covering underneath. In fact, Denzel Perryman’s 72.4 percent completion rating against stood at the LOWEST in the linebacker corps. With that said, rapid or even, instant improvement must happen. Overshown flashes the sideline-to-sideline ability to head off the ball. More importantly, in coverage, he displays a feel for coverage via depth of drop and the ability to turn and run.

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Fourth Round, Pick 109 (Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin, Offensive Lineman)

Dylan Parham provided enough to warrant a starting spot. However, where will that spot be? Ideally, he could kick into the center spot, solidifying a position that the Raiders have struggled with for the last couple of years. If Parham stays at guard, or even if he does kick inside, Tippmann brings athleticism, nastiness, and composure to the field. In all honesty, the Raiders need that along the offensive line.

Fifth Round, Pick 141 (Dorian Williams, Tulane, Linebacker)

As mentioned, the Raiders could not cover at the second level. Opponents sat down in zones and opposing quarterbacks picked them apart. The linebacker spot needs an athletic upgrade. With Williams, the Vegas could deploy him initially as a nickel or dime linebacker, capable of staying with tight ends. Additionally, he could evolve into a standout special teamer until he earns defensive field time.

Fifth Round, Pick 144 (Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia, Wide Receiver)

Granted, the Raiders signed a bunch of wide receivers in the offseason. Yet, none profile with the upside that Wheaton does. First, his ability to climb the ladder on the jump ball leaps off the film. Next, he runs exceedingly well for a player of his angular frame. The Raiders spending a fifth-rounder to give them a big-bodied deep threat to open up wide swaths of the field for the top three wideouts.

Fifth Round, Pick 174 (Riley Moss, Iowa, Cornerback)

The backend of the secondary remains a mess. With so many questions at both spots, why not draft a player versatile enough to handle both? During his stint at Iowa, Moss picked off eleven passes, housing three of them. The Raiders need a player with turnover capability.

Sixth Round, Pick 204 (Christian Izien, Rutgers, Safety)

Yes, McDaniels digs into the Belichick playbook, drafting a Rutgers defensive back. Not to mention, Izien can actually play. With the speed to man the outside and the feel for providing run support, Izien gives the Raiders what they should expect in the sixth round: a speedy special teamer that will ultimately grow into a subpackage role.

Sixth Round, Pick 214 (Lonnie Phelps, Kansas, Edge)

After Crosby and Jones, the Raiders lack anything substantive in the way of an edge rush. Under the circumstances, a player like Phelps fits the bill. To say nothing of the limited but important task he should initially receive. As a lower-round pass rush specialist, Phelps needn’t worry about the run or coverage. Turn him loose and let him go. If the Raiders ever lose a starter on the edge, they will struggle to find a plug-in on the roster.

Seventh Round, Pick 220 ( Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion, Offensive Tackle)

If you count back to the number of wasted picks this low for the Raiders, you’d lose your mind. Now, you could ask how can you waste a seventh-rounder. While unlikely, teams can develop Day Three picks into functional backups that can spot start and provide much-needed depth. In Saldiveri’s case, you will see a smooth-blocking pass protector with the feet and balance to provide capable relief for a starter, should they fall to injury.

Seventh Round, Pick 231 (Dee Winters, TCU, Linebacker)

At this point, the Raiders can’t turn down athletic playmakers this deep in the draft.  Winters will fly around to the ball. Now, he profiles as a special teamer with speed but lacks the size to discard blocks from much larger opponents. Meanwhile, the former TCU linebacker could flourish as a special teams ace.