Raiders 2022 7-round NFL Mock Draft after the Russell Wilson trade
Big, mean Kenyon Green.
If you glanced at the latest mock draft I wrote up earlier in the week, you’ll notice I had Las Vegas drafting Green here before the Wilson trade as well. Looking at the film, I just don’t see a reason to change that.
Green comes in at 325lbs and understands how to use every bit of it. It’s not just the power, though. The Texas A&M offensive lineman can regularly be seen quickly making his way to the second level, carving out a path for the ball carrier.
Truthfully, I tried hard to think of a scenario where Green falls to 22 and Las Vegas looks in another direction, but I just can’t see that happening. Not only is Green the perfect fit, being he’s played and excelled at both tackle and guard spots, but the offensive-linemen options outside of the draft don’t make much sense. Let me explain what I mean.
When we talk about some of the other positions Las Vegas needs to address, there are ample options, and a lot of them are realistic.
If we take a look at the cornerback position, Stephon Gilmore and JC Jackson bring an immediate lockdown presence. Not only that, but they have strong ties to the current Vegas coaching staff, so a mutual interest with either only makes sense.
For defensive tackle, there’s too much going on to commit to one with your first pick. There’s Austin Johnson from the Giants who Graham might bring over, Akiem Hicks who Champ Kelly is familiar with, and even Clelin Ferrell who spent a lot of time in the interior his rookie year. Also, don’t rule out the Raiders bringing one or two guys back from the ’21 season.
Finally, when we turn our attention to wideout, guys are flying under the Radar like DJ Chark who brings an immediate impact for a bargain. With all of this being mapped out, Las Vegas simply gets more bang for their buck going with Green, who’s not just tremendous value at 22, but fixes a hole that’s hard to plug up elsewhere.
If you want more info on Green, you can find it here. If not, we’re on to the next pick.