Raiders 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Defense gets an influx of talent

Raiders 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Defense gets an influx of talent

The Raiders need help at both edge rusher and linebacker and Nolan Smith is the type of versatile player that can fit in right away. While Tyree Wilson is a typical hand on the ground defensive end, Smith can play in coverage and space but also has shown an ability to rush the passer.

Smith was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school and has seen his playing time increase every year before becoming a full-time starter in 2021. His statistics showcase his versatility as he has 110 career tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and an interception in his career.

Scouts give him great grades both in coverage and as a run defender as they note that he holds up well at the point of attack and has the quickness to stay with receivers in space. He is not the biggest player at 6-3, 235lbs but he is by no means undersized, and his size makes him a good potential matchup against tight ends.

The concerns for Smith are similar to Wilson where he may not have top-end speed and may lack elite level twitch. He ran a 4.51 40 which is on the lower end for an outside linebacker, but he can improve on that at his pro day or at the combine just like Wilson.

Many scouting networks have him rated as the third best outside linebacker in this draft so he may not last until the second round but would be an absolute steal if he does.