The Las Vegas Raiders hold significant draft capital in 2023, and here, we look at three positions they still need to target after free agency.
After trading away Darren Waller to the New York Giants, the Las Vegas Raiders hold four of the first 100 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. With that draft capital, general manager David Ziegler could set his team up for long-term success, but he must avoid the problems of the previous regime, especially early on.
We have already seen the Raiders revamp the roster in free agency this offseason, adding some low-key solid players across the first two waves. With the 2023 NFL Draft coming up, however, there are still some big needs on this roster, and we dive into them here.
2023 NFL Draft: 3 positions the Raiders still must address this April
Defensive Tackle
Last offseason, the Raiders tried to fix their issues along the defensive line by spending in free agency, and using multiple draft picks on the defensive tackle spot. Heading into this season, that problem still remains, though they are in a bit better shape with Jerry Tillery returning in free agency.
Going into this year's draft, there are some solid defensive tackles available, especially with the handful of Day 1 and 2 picks Las Vegas has. Guys like Bryan Bresee, Calijah Kancey, and Mazi Smith could all help improve this group immediately, and you would not have to use the No. 7 overall pick to get them.
2023 NFL Draft: 3 positions the Raiders still must address this April
Cornerback
It seems like the Raiders franchise has had an issue at the cornerback spot for years, something they could fix in a big way this draft season. If they decide to pass on a quarterback early in round one, cornerback may be the play, as there are some elite options available within the first ten picks.
Players like Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez are considered top-10 guys, while players like Joey Porter Jr., Kelee Ringo, and Deonte Banks could be had if Las Vegas decides to trade back in the first round. Either way, if cornerback is the priority, they can bring an elite player in on Day 1, whether they stay at No. 7 overall or not.
Las Vegas plays in a division where you need to have excellent play from the secondary, as they have a gauntlet of potential Hall of Fame quarterbacks playing in the AFC West. If they are happy with Garoppolo, and feel they can add depth at the position in next year's draft, adding an elite cornerback helps even the field a little bit this upcoming season.
2023 NFL Draft: 3 positions the Raiders still must address this April
Interior Offensive Lineman
During the 2022 NFL Draft, the first pick of the David Ziegler regime as general manager was Dylan Parham, who played a big role for the Raiders as a rookie. Going into 2023, the center position is filled with Andre James, and Parham is more than likely going to come into camp as a starter at one of the offensive guard positions.
However, the other starting spot is up for grabs, and the Raiders could be looking to fill this role with another first-year player in 2023. There is significant Day 2 talent at both center and offensive guard, and if the Raiders can fill that role, you have to think the offensive line should be not only set in terms of starters, but deep as well going into camp.
Bringing back Jermaine Eluemunor fills the right tackle void, as the offensive line is in much better shape than it was a year ago. Ziegler has to make sure he prioritizes the offensive line this offseason, especially with an injury-prone quarterback under center in Jimmy Garoppolo, so it would make sense for one of their top-100 picks to go the interior offensive line.