The Las Vegas Raiders continue to be movers and shakers on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft, this time trading up for a defensive tackle. Here is the grade.
The Las Vegas Raiders went into Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft holding the No. 126 overall pick in the fourth round, a pick they traded away to the Minnesota Vikings. Well, the Vikings gave that pick right back to them, taking two fifth-round picks from the Raiders, and enabling the Silver and Black to go up and get a solid defensive tackle.
With the No. 126 overall selection, Las Vegas selected Neil Farrell Jr. from LSU, another national championship winner. Earlier in the day, the Raiders brought in Georgia running back Zamir White, who was fresh off a title with the Bulldogs, so it is obvious that David Ziegler loves guys who have been to the top of the mountain.
Farrell had an impressive career at LSU and comes into the league as a guy who has played a ton of college football. He decided to return to school instead of turning pro last year, and not only did he play outstanding football during the regular season, but he stood out in the Senior Bowl.
The 6-foot-4, 325-pound defensive tackle was named the Best Defensive Lineman at the Senior Bowl, increasing his draft stock in a big way.
Raiders bolstering the interior of the defensive line
It is clear that the Raiders have made the interior of their defensive line a priority this offseason, as they have brought in the likes of Vernon Butler and Bilal Nichols via free agency. They also brought back Kendal Vickers and Johnathan Hankins, so with the addition of Farrell, there is more than enough talent there for new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
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With this pick, Las Vegas now holds only two more picks on Day 3, as they will pick at No. 164 in the fifth round, and No. 250 in the seventh. For now, the haul has been outstanding on Day 3, and hopefully, Farrell can carve out a nice career in the Silver and Black.
Grade: A