The Las Vegas Raiders saw positions of need on display on Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, and here are some observations.
The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off the on-field workouts on Thursday, and fans of the Las Vegas Raiders should be very excited about what they saw. The defensive linemen and linebackers took centerstage on Day 1 and based on their physical gifts, some elite players are headed to the NFL.
Here, we look at a few observations from the action inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Day 1.
Las Vegas Raiders: 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Day 1 observations
Will Anderson Jr. is the real deal
If there was any question about why Will Anderson Jr. is considered the best prospect in this draft class, those went out the window with his performance on Thursday. In fact, he put up similar numbers to former Raiders great Khalil Mack in terms of his 40-yard dash and 10-yard split, coming in at 4.60 and 1.61, respectively.
He very much looks the part of a player who will be a dominant edge rusher in the league for many years, and if he is not taken No. 1 overall, he definitely is not going to slip outside of the top-3 selections.
Las Vegas Raiders: 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Day 1 observations
Defensive Tackle help is on the way
The Las Vegas Raiders targeted the defensive tackle spot in a big way last off-season, bringing in players via free agency and the draft. Despite that, they still had to do some work during the 2022 campaign, signing Jerry Tillery, a former first-round pick of the Chargers franchise in November.
Still, despite all of that movement, defensive tackle is high on the list this offseason again, and there were some standout players in that department on Thursday. One player who really stood out is Clemson’s Bryan Bresee, who certainly appears to be healthy, and as a 300-pounder, ran a 40-yard dash under 4.9.
Calijah Kancey from Pitt has the fastest 40-yard dash in the position group, running an astounding 4.67, and potential Day 2 picks like Keeanu Benton and Zacch Pickens showed why they had some draft buzz coming into the event.
With Neil Farrell Jr. and Matthew Butler not standing out as rookies, and Jerry Tillery and Andrew Billings hitting free agency, defensive tackle is once again a need this offseason. Based on what we saw on Thursday, help is certainly on the way.
Las Vegas Raiders: 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Day 1 observations
Elite linebackers will be had on Day 2
This offseason the Raiders have to do something big to bolster the linebacker room, especially considering Denzel Perryman, Jayon Brown, and Micah Kiser are entering free agency. The good news is that this year’s linebacker group is a good one, including multiple elite talents that will be available on Day 2.
Drew Sanders and Trenton Simpson are two linebackers that should go on night one, leaving an outstanding group headlined by Jack Campbell and Noah Sewell available as Day 2 kicks off. Las Vegas may have to use their No. 38 pick on this position group if they want to get either of those guys, though, and that would be good draft capital in a position group that is an absolute mess right now.
Las Vegas Raiders: Bold predictions for the 2023 offseason
As the Raiders head into what is sure to be an eventful Spring, let's take a look at a few bold predictions for the 2023 offseason.
Day 2 kicks off Friday with the defensive backs taking the field, another big position of need for the Silver and Black going into this draft season. Cornerback and Safety definitely were positions that were picked on a lot last season, so expect the Raiders to possibly use their first-round pick on a defensive back this April.