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2023 NFL mock draft: Raiders trade down twice in full first-round mock

By Brad Weiss

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Trenton Simpson (22) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Green (21) during the second quarter of the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK
Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Trenton Simpson (22) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Green (21) during the second quarter of the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK /

2023 NFL mock draft: Raiders trade down twice in full first-round mock

28. . Linebacker. Las Vegas Raiders. Trenton Simpson. 19. player

Finally, the Silver and Black do not trade away their pick, as the Las Vegas Raiders select Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson with the No. 19 overall selection. Simpson is widely considered one of the top linebacker prospects in this draft class, and he put on a show on Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine on-field workouts.

The truth is, linebacker is going to be a big area of need this offseason, especially with guys like Denzel Perryman and Jayon Brown heading to free agency. Patrick Graham’s defense needs strong, athletic linebackers for it to work, and Simpson is someone who checks a lot of those boxes.

Sure, Las Vegas could fall in love with a quarterback this draft season, trade up to get him, and fill that void. But there are so many flaws when it comes to this roster, and by trading down twice, they get a host of elite draft capital and still get a premier player at a serious position of need on Day 1.

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