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
Josh McDaniels loves tight ends and has worked magic with the versatile position in the past with the New England Patriots. He hasn’t had that chance in Las Vegas due to Darren Waller’s injuries but could do so next year with Waller and Cade Stover out of Ohio State.
Stover was working on a capper to an impressive senior season with the Buckeyes in the college football playoff semifinal before leaving the game with a back injury. MRIs came back negative on the injury so it shouldn’t impact his draft stock and he could be a great value pick this late in the draft.
The former linebacker has been a tight end for three years, but before 2022 was just a bit part player for the Buckeyes. This year he recorded 36 catches for 406 yards and five touchdowns and was one of CJ Stroud‘s favorite targets. He has good size at 6-4 and 255lbs, though he will not physically overwhelm opposing defenders.
Stover has good hands and blocks with plenty of effort though that is not considered a strength in his game. He’s not an incredible athlete but he’s a hard worker and smart route runner that can be a great option as a second tight end.