Las Vegas Raiders fill roster holes in early 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft

Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A general view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A general view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 02: Defensive end Xavier Thomas #3 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a sack during their game against the Boston College Eagles at Clemson Memorial Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 02: Defensive end Xavier Thomas #3 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a sack during their game against the Boston College Eagles at Clemson Memorial Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders fill roster holes in early 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft

Xavier Thomas. 150. player. 879. . Edge. Tigers

As a former 5-star prospect, Xavier Thomas seemed to be the next great thing in a long line of successful Clemson defensive linemen. However, his career with the Tigers has not panned out as expected.

There is obvious talent, but the production has not been there for multiple reasons. Making a bet on the talent at this stage of the draft is an easy call. The Raiders will have to make decisions on edge defenders after the 2022 season, so adding depth could be crucial.

Yannick Ngakoue and Maxx Crosby should be the long-term solution at defensive end for this Raiders franchise, but the question is what they will get from Clelin Ferrell, and if they bring Carl Nassib back when his contract is up. The Raiders suddenly are impressive at getting after the quarterback, and Thomas could be a great depth guy down the road.