Las Vegas Raiders 2023 7-round Mock Draft: A backup for Derek Carr
Las Vegas Raiders 2023 7-round Mock Draft: Insurance for Darren Waller
player. 812. . S. Buckeyes . Ronnie Hickman. 141
We have covered the need for the Raiders at safety in the past few mock drafts and that is still valid despite the plays made by Isaiah Pola-Mao and Duron Harmon in recent weeks. Most of the top safeties are off the board by now but Ronnie Hickman out of Ohio State is an intriguing prospect with the 141st pick.
The former Buckeye has some solid measurables at 6-1, 205lbs, and runs a 4.45 40 so it’s a bit surprising that he has a mid-round grade from most scouts. His strengths include good top-end speed and what scouts call “ideal size” and fluidity in space. They note that he has enough size to cover tight ends and adequate quickness to cover slot receivers and backs out of the backfield.
What may have contributed to a lower grade is primarily mental as they knock him on not trusting his vision and being late to react to plays. That seems like a fixable issue with the right coaching and under the tutelage of a great defensive mind in Duron Harmon, he could thrive. If Hickman could improve the mental aspect of his game he looks like he could be a steal for the Raiders this late in the draft.