The Las Vegas Raiders have made a few big moves early in free agency, with many fans thinking they are clearly banking on an A-level draft.
Free agency is fully underway, and the Las Vegas Raiders have already made a few big moves that have the fan base talking. The signing of Jimmy Garoppolo has head coach Josh McDaniels back in his comfort zone, but it doesn’t seem like a long-term answer.
Now all eyes will be on the draft in April, as the direction of the Raiders is a bit of a mystery to fans at the moment. But until then, it will be endless speculation which brings us to everyone’s favorite piece of content, mock drafts.
Will the Raiders draft a quarterback to sit behind Jimmy G and develop? Or will they focus more on improving a defense with holes everywhere? The truth is, free agency has not been huge for the Silver and Black just yet, so hitting a home run with their 2023 NFL Draft will be paramount if they want to be a real contender in a tough AFC West next season.
Let’s take a look at some of the most recent mock drafts.
Las Vegas Raiders: Early free agency 2023 NFL Mock Draft roundup
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Despite being a pre-free agency mock draft, Ryan Wilson already expected the Jimmy Garoppolo signing. And decided to pair him with the high-end potential of Florida’s Anthony Richardson.
"“We still think the Raiders will sign a veteran, and Jimmy Garoppolo makes a lot of sense. He’s familiar with the system, he’s as good as — or maybe even slightly better than — Derek Carr, and he’d give the rookie QB time to grow into the role. Richardson is one of the most exciting prospects in this class. “"
Richardson blew up the combine, rating in the 98th percentile or better in the 40-yard dash, vertical and broad jump. So we are talking about perhaps the most explosive athlete we’ve seen at the QB position, and did we mention he is 6’3 and 244 lbs?
Wilson also highlighted Josh Mcdaniels’ ability to put QB in a position to succeed, which Richardson will need given how much work he still needs.
QBs with as little experience as Richardson had in college (12 starts) have not panned out historically, but this would be a bet on the physical tools. This would also be one of the more significant swings in recent NFL draft history, so it only makes sense that it would come from the silver and black.
Las Vegas Raiders: Early free agency 2023 NFL Mock Draft roundup
Gordon McGuinness, PFF
If you have a PFF subscription, I advise their draft guide as a tool to use along with whatever other things you use to learn more about the 2023 prospects.
Gordon McGuinness authored this site’s most recent mock draft, and despite all the quarterback talk, he decided to address the defense with the Raiders’ first pick. Selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
"“Gonzalez has all the tools to be an All-Pro in the NFL. He impressed with some incredible workout numbers in Indianapolis and posted 10 combined pass breakups and interceptions at Oregon in 2022.”"
Gonzalez was another combine winner showing off elite speed and explosiveness, but unlike Richardson, he has plenty of college tape to confirm his top-10 status. He would be a plug-in-play type of player and should be an immediate upgrade to the secondary.
The cornerback position has been one where the Raiders have struggled to find consistent talent in recent years, and Gonzalez may be the best at the position group in this draft class. Landing him with the No. 7 overall pick would give them a shutdown cornerback for years to come.
Las Vegas Raiders: Early free agency 2023 NFL Mock Draft roundup
Ben Standig, The Athletic
For our last mock draft, we look at The Athletic and Ben Standig, who had both Richardson and Gonzalez gone by pick seven, which led to him selecting Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson for the Raiders.
"“Not the ideal board for a team that many see drafting a quarterback after releasing Derek Carr. Edge rusher isn’t a primary concern with Maxx Crosby around, but finding a tag-team partner remains a consideration after Chandler Jones’ unimpressive 2022 season. Wilson might go top five if the QB run doesn’t materialize.”"
Standig had quarterbacks going in the first four picks of the draft, then Gonzalez going to Detriot, which is a possible scenario that would not favor Las Vegas at all.
Las Vegas Raiders 3-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Early FA edition
With the new league year kicking off on Wednesday, we take a look at a three-round Las Vegas Raiders 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Wilson was a late bloomer in college but has all the physical tools to be a star on Sundays. At 6’6 and 271, he brings tremendous size and versatility, so taking him as the best player available wouldn’t be the worst selection. Chandler Jones will hopefully bounce back and play up to his contract, but if not, a young replacement is waiting.