2023 NFL Draft: Top-3 positions the Las Vegas Raiders must target at No. 7
![ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text 'THE PICK IS IN' for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text 'THE PICK IS IN' for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT](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-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F04-2F951976438-2018-nfl-draft-jpg-850x560-6ea929909171e4b4d53ac3ee29c906705f0c2d26640fe75b7f408b7a54d56e36.jpg)
2023 NFL Draft: Top-3 positions the Las Vegas Raiders must target at No. 7
#1: Offensive Tackle
Coming in at number one is probably the least sexy position out of the bunch. But it doesn’t matter whether you bring in Aaron Rodgers or draft a rookie quarterback, they won’t do much if you can’t protect them. Even though the Raiders’ offensive line looked better than expected at times last year, there are a few reasons why offensive tackle comes in where it does.
The Raiders had a carousel of offensive linemen last year, partly due to injury but mainly due to a lack of depth and not having solidified starters at most of the positions. In fact, left tackle Kolton Miller and center Andre James were the only ones that were penciled in at their respective spots.
What didn’t help either was the massive miss on first-round pick OL Alex Leatherwood by the previous regime. Whether he played tackle or guard, he couldn’t quite get the hang of it and was ultimately cut when rosters faced the final trim.
Where the Raiders stand in the draft, they could have their pick of the litter when it comes to the OT position. While many have mocked Northwestern tackle Peter Skoronski the most at number 7, Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. or Georgia’s Broderick Jones could be in play as well.
Yes, the Raiders could go out and pay top dollar for any one of the tackles that will potentially hit the free agent market this year, but the money the Raiders have in free agency would better be used elsewhere. If they want to have a cornerstone guy opposite of Kolton Miller who can protect the edge for whoever is slinging the football in 2023 and beyond, this draft is just as good as any to do so. Especially with how top-heavy the talent is.
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