Perfect Picks 2023: Las Vegas Raiders
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Tyree Wilson (Edge Rusher, Texas Tech)
The Las Vegas Raiders would be more than happy to run up Tyree Wilson’s card to the draft podium if he was still available at their pick. Pairing the Texas Tech edge rusher with Maxx Crosby gives them a formidable duo. Chandler Jones didn’t live up to his lofty price tag in 2022 and his contract becomes very cuttable after this season, paving the way for Wilson to take over full time.
Wilson has been vying for top spot on draftnik edge rusher rankings with Will Anderson. At 6’6, 271lbs you can argue that Wilson’s frame plus his athleticism give him a higher ceiling than the Alabama prospect. He racked up 50 pressures last year, including 8 sacks and it still feels he is only just hitting his potential. If this Raiders team wants to be feared, beefing up the D-line with Wilson will have the desired effect.
Round 2 - DJ Turner (Cornerback, Michigan)
Al Davis loved speed when he was in charge of the Raiders. This pick would be right up his street. DJ Turner is speed personified. Running a 4.27 40-yard dash, Turner had the fastest time of anyone at the scouting combine. He is skinny at 179lbs but he tackles like he is 20lbs bigger. He was a star performer for Michigan on their College Football Playoff run and has plenty of experience lined up as an outside corner.
He would have to compete for a starting role with free agents Duke Shelley and David Long initially. That said, although Turner never played as a slot corner in college his feisty nature and quicks make him a candidate for that role in the NFL. Wherever you think he fits, his speed makes him a sure fire pick on the first two days.
Mid Round Gem - Henry To'o To'o (Linebacker, Alabama)
The Raiders depth chart is somewhat lacking at linebacker with the current incumbents Divine Deablo and new signing Robert Spillane. That won’t dissuade the Raiders from adding to that room. Particularly if a player like Henry To’o To’o is available in the mid rounds. The Alabama linebacker transferred from Tennessee to boost his draft stock and while he perhaps didn’t hit the heights expected, he comes with solid reviews.
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban describes him as one of the most intelligent players he has coached and the Raiders could use that leadership and organisation in the middle of their defense. While his athletic traits likely stop him being drafted in the first two rounds, To’o To’o is one of the few guys in this class who reads plays efficiently. He could anchor the linebacking corps for several years.
Late Round Sleeper - Rakim Jarrett (Wide Receiver, Maryland)
It was a surprise to see 5-star wide receiver Rakim Jarrett commit to Maryland coming out of high school. That in part has had a lot to do with why Jarrett’s draft stock never really got moving in the right direction. He had an impressive 2021 but last year he was used nearly exclusively in the slot and it tempered his production. He accounted for 471 receiving yards and only three touchdowns.
Jarrett’s not a burner but plenty quick enough with a 4.44 40-yard dash. He is a solid route runner and has been described as a budget Jaxon Smith-Njigba in some circles. It will be of interest to the Raiders considering rumours have swirled about Hunter Renfrow being a trade candidate. Jakobi Meyers’ signing has led to questions about how Renfrow will be deployed, maybe the Raiders cash in and cushion the loss by drafting Jarrett.
Draft In Full:
Round 1 – Tyree Wilson (Edge Rusher, Texas Tech)
Round 2 – DJ Turner (Cornerback, Michigan)
Round 3 – Steve Avila (Offensive Guard, TCU)
Round 3 – Henry To’o To’o (Linebacker, Alabama)
Round 4 – Carter Warren (Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh)
Round 5 – Moro Ojomo (Defensive Tackle, Texas)
Round 5 – Roschon Johnson (Running Back, Texas)
Round 6 – Rakim Jarrett (Wide Receiver, Maryland)
Round 6 – Jason Taylor II (Safety, Oklahoma State)
Round 7 – Thomas Incoom (Edge Rusher, Central Michigan)
Round 7 – Nic Jones (Cornerback, Ball State)
