Raiders 2022 NFL Draft Grades: AFC West Winners and Losers
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders waited patiently until day two to make their first draft selection, courtesy of trading away their first and second-round picks to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for Davante Adams. But once Las Vegas made their pick in the third round, it proved to be value pick after value pick for the new regime of Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler, and with recent history taken into account, that strategy is a win for the organization.
With Dylan Parham (OL), Neil Farrel Jr. (DT), and Matthew Butler (DT), at best they each have a shot at securing a starting spot in their rookie season. At worst, they add depth and welcome competition on the depth chart. In Zamir White, the selection makes sense following Vegas’ decision to decline the fifth-year option of Josh Jacobs. Time will tell, but Vegas may have drafted their starting running back of the future in White.
After getting burned in recent memory for reaching towards need as opposed to opting for the best player available, the new regime chose the latter and as a result, it should shape up for nice competition as McDaniels and Ziegler assess the roster heading into spring training.
Outcome: Winner