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
EDGE. Panthers . Habakkuk Baldonado. 201. player. 866.
The Raiders continue to build their defense with another late-round pick and this time it is another imperfect prospect in Habakkuk Baldonado out of Pittsburgh. Baldonado has great size at 6-5, and 260lbs but is lacking a bit in the athleticism department which is what makes him a late-round prospect.
The Pittsburgh star has been decently productive in his college career with 15 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in 36 career games though he won’t blow anyone away with those numbers. He projects well as a run-stopping defensive edge or a smaller defensive tackle that can pursue the QB in obvious pass-rushing downs.
If this sounds a bit like Clelin Ferrell then that is exactly the player we have in mind when watching Baldonado play. He has a great motor and is strong at the point of attack but does not look dynamic enough to be a consistent pass-rushing force at the next level.
A high motor and high effort are enough to make an impact at the next level and as a more mature prospect, he can come in and play right away without much need for development aside from improving his technique. The best defensive lines are ones that have depth and can rotate heavily and Baldonado can come in and help with that right away.