Raiders 2022 Mock Draft: Las Vegas goes on the defensive early

The NFL Draft is just a day away and the Raiders still have some needs to fill, here is the latest mock draft from the the Just Blog Baby draft machine!

The Las Vegas Raiders will be the official hosts of the 2022 NFL Draft this week as the event comes to Sin City for the first time in its history. The NFL had planned to have the draft in Las Vegas in 2020 to coincide with the opening of Allegiant Stadium and the arrival of the Silver and Black to the city of neon lights.

Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic being in full swing, the draft was done virtually and even though it was charming to see all of the NFL coaches and executives making picks in their home offices, it was just not the same. After a year in Cleveland, the draft is now taking place in Las Vegas, which perhaps should be its rightful home, but the Raiders may have to wait a couple days before they make a selection.

After trading their first and second-round picks for Davante Adams, the Raiders will undoubtedly be working the phones and working the draft boards but could end up waiting all the way until the third round to make a selection at pick 86. There is plenty of value to be had in the later rounds as we have seen and the Raiders currently have 5 selections between rounds 3 and 7.

The Raiders have done a great job in building up the roster and patching some holes but there are still some major needs at some position groups that must be addressed. The team could also adopt a “best player available” approach due to the late picks which we are always in favor of but either way there is plenty to be excited about.

Let’s dive right into the mock and see who the Raiders take with pick 86!