Raiders 2022 NFL Draft: Day 2 defensive studs to watch for

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "OUR FUTURE IS NOW" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "OUR FUTURE IS NOW" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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Possible Raiders prospect and Florida Gators defensive lineman Zachary Carter (6) greets Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen as they enter the stadium during Gator Walk before the football game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Sept. 25, 2021. Raiders.

The Las Vegas Raiders won’t be making a selection until Day 2 of the NFL Draft, but luckily for them, there’ll be plenty of defensive studs by then that could be had.

The Raiders’ defense has been reshaped thanks to a new brain trust taking over the reins this offseason. The new defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, comes over from the New York Giants and replaced Gus Bradley. The latter is doing a solid job considering what was put on the field for years prior to his arrival.

However, Graham’s philosophy will be different, and for it to succeed, the Raiders need versatile players, so, even though the team doesn’t pick until Day 2, there are some interesting prospects they ought to consider. Whether it’s adding to their defensive line or perhaps another safety or cornerback, this draft class is deep with potential starting talent that can be taken in the third or fourth rounds.

Picking at No. 86 overall, there is plenty of talent to choose from, and based on what the regime decides to do, they could end up picking even earlier. The 2022 Raiders are going to look a lot different than 2021, especially on defense, and here are some Day 2 studs to keep an eye on.

Let’s take a look.

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