Raiders 2023 7-round NFL Mock Draft: Las Vegas moves on from Derek Carr
Raiders 2023 7-round NFL Mock Draft: Las Vegas moves on from Derek Carr
In the last mock draft, we went heavy on linebackers but this time around with a focus on defensive backs and offensive lineman, we wait until the seventh round to grab a linebacker. Payton Wilson out of North Carolina State is an intriguing prospect with great measurables that scouts can’t seem to agree on.
Wilson was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, and spent the next four seasons as an every down player for the Wolfpack after a medical redshirt year. His 2021 season was cut short because of a shoulder injury but he came back strong in 2022 with 82 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and an interception.
The North Carolina native has all the makings of an athletic linebacker at the NFL level as he measures in at 6-4 and 230lbs with 4.540 speed. His production, speed, and athleticism make him a versatile sideline to sideline linebacker that can even rush the passer on occasion. the biggest knocks on Wilson are his injury history, perceived lack of physicality, and a need to add some mass to his frame.
The foundation is there for a potential starting linebacker, though he will need to be coached up quite a bit. The seventh round is the perfect place to take a gamble on players with great physical profiles and that is exactly what Wilson possesses. He is a gamble, but could be an immediate contributor on both defense and special teams.