Raiders 2023 7-round NFL Mock Draft: What if Aaron Rodgers arrives?
![Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General overall view of the stage as the Oakland Raiders prepare to select Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (not pictured) as the No. 24 pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General overall view of the stage as the Oakland Raiders prepare to select Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (not pictured) as the No. 24 pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F10044448-850x560-79d6033306d9ead1e69133ebd24ea1a9b863ef13754c2d66358b7d5d4727424b.jpg)
Raiders 2023 7-round NFL Mock Draft: What if Aaron Rodgers arrives?
840. . Safety. Gators . Rashad Torrence II. 146. player
After two picks on offense, we jump back to the defensive side of the ball and particularly the defensive backfield with the selection of safety Rashad Torrence II out of Florida. This is a bit lower than Torrence is projected to go as some sites have him ranked as a top-five safety in this year’s class.
Torrence has a solid build for a safety at 6-0 and 202lbs but he could stand to add another 10 to 15 pounds to his frame to hold up against larger receivers and tight ends in the NFL. He ran a 4.49 40 which is in the top 25% at his position and that is more than good enough to keep up with the pace at the pro level.
The former Gator is known best for attacking ball carriers in the run game and is described as a willing tackler and an effective blitzer. We’ve talked many times about Patrick Graham utilizing his safeties in the box and Torrence fits that bill perfectly.
There are concerns about his ability to consistently make the tackle at the point of attack and his smaller size may have been a factor there. Just like Christian Gonzalez, he could benefit from an NFL strength and conditioning program, but the right mentality is already there and that is most important.