2022 NFL 7-Round Mock Draft: Las Vegas Raiders fix offensive voids early
By Brad Weiss
2022 NFL 7-Round Mock Draft: Las Vegas Raiders fix offensive voids early
Linebacker. Badgers . Leo Chenal. 159. player. 809.
The Las Vegas Raiders hold two fifth-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, and they attack the defensive side of the ball with both selections. First, they add Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal here at pick No. 159, a guy who can rack up tackles in big numbers and would be in a perfect spot playing behind Denzel Perryman if the Raiders can bring back Perryman in free agency.
Chenal put together a remarkable final season with the Badgers, racking up over 100 tackles, including nearly 20 that went for a loss, and also had himself 8.5 sacks. Those are outstanding numbers, and at the next level, he can be a solid depth linebacker early on before moving into a starting role in Year 2 or 3.
Tyreke Smith. 164. player. 812. . Edge. Buckeyes
When it comes to this Raiders roster for 2022, they have elite edge rushers in both Yannick Ngakoue and Maxx Crosby, two guys who have All-Pro talent. Behind them, Malcolm Koonce, a 2021 draft pick did not get much run this season, and former No. 4 overall pick Clelin Ferrell is much better against the run.
Despite having top-line players in the starting lineup, the Raiders could lack depth along the edge next season, which is what makes Tyreke Smith an interesting prospect here in the fifth round. At one point, he was seen to have first-round talent, but he had an up-and-down career at Ohio State, and likely falls into Day 3, where the Raiders need to take a hard look.