2023 Raiders 7-round NFL Mock Draft: Best Player over Positional Need
2023 Raiders 7-round NFL Mock Draft: Best Player over Positional Need
. TE. Bulldogs . Darnell Washington. 71. player. 814
This is the first pick so far where it truly feels like a luxury selection as the Raiders currently have a very talented tight end in Darren Waller. We’ve covered the fact that Foster Moreau is a free agent this year so he will need to be replaced if he departs but that could also be done on the cheap in free agency.
However, we will stick with the philosophy behind this mock draft and snatch Darnell Washington out of Georgia with the 71st overall pick. Washington is a massive player at 6-7 and 270 lbs and would give the Raiders’ offense another mismatch nightmare as he also runs a 4.6 40.
Washington’s production is nothing special as he caught 26 passes for 417 yards and two touchdowns in 2022 but that is understandable considering how much talent was on this Georgia roster including superstar tight end Brock Bowers. the Raiders would be drafting Washington for his physical attributes and his seemingly endless potential.
On top of his mismatch ability and receiving talent, Washington is an excellent blocker and has the size and strength to win consistently at the point of attack. Blocking is not Darren Waller’s strong suit and if the Raiders plan to build up that power running game, then Washington would be of great help there as well.