2023 NFL mock draft: Raiders trade down twice in full first-round mock
By Brad Weiss
2023 NFL mock draft: Raiders trade down twice in full first-round mock
Two running backs in the first round? Well, that does not happen much, but after Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs is the only other back who should have a first-round grade. Gibbs can do so much for an offense, being an asset on the ground, and through the air, while also providing Buffalo with an elite return man.
The goal for the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason should be protecting Joe Burrow, and they add a talented offensive lineman here at No. 28 in O’Cyrus Torrence. Torrence can play up and down the line for the Bengals, and if they want to continue to be an AFC power, Burrow has to be the priority this offseason, and for the foreseeable future.
The New Orleans Saints are another NFC South team that seems to be all-in on the Raiders’ former signal-caller Derek Carr, but they also have a lot of work to do in terms of their offense outside of quarterback. Josh Downs would provide them a big boost in the passing game, and teaming him with Chris Olave could make for an outstanding duo at wideout in the Bayou in 2023, and beyond.
The Philadelphia Eagles were the best team in the NFC last season, but they could see several changes within their roster this offseason. If CJ Gardner-Johnson leaves in free agency, it creates a huge void at the safety position, one they could fill with Brian Branch, the best player at the position in this draft class.
We close out the first round with the Kansas City Chiefs picking up another playmaker for the best quarterback in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes. Kayshoun Boutte is a guy who can flat-out stretch the field, and in Kansas City, he joins a wide receiver room that already has guys like Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
So there you have it, a full first-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft that sees the Raiders get better at linebacker, and also pick up two second-round picks, as well as a first and second-rounder in 2024. Maybe that first-rounder from Tampa Bay becomes their next long-term answer at quarterback, but for now, this is a tremendous haul for the Silver and Black.