The Las Vegas Raiders will be waiting a while to make their first pick in this year’s draft. That of course due to the Davante Adams trade where they relinquished their first two picks of this year. A steep price, but it took care of their issue of having a true No. 1 outside wide receiver. The Raiders still have five picks to work with, including a pair of fifth-rounders. New general manager Dave Ziegler still has the ability to add quality talent to a team that has made big several big moves this offseason.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 3, Pick 86: Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
Ziegler was a part of a New England Patriots front office that secured Christian Barmore in the second round a year ago. With the defensive front a need in Las Vegas, he makes a similar move to get his former teammate Mathis. The Alabama big man was a force in the middle of the Crimson Tide defense. At the bare minimum, Mathis would be a quality rotational defensive tackle, with a focus on run defense, in his rookie campaign.
For more on Mathis, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 126: Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
Although the top of the wide receiver depth chart is set in Vegas with Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Bryan Edwards, this is an excellent draft to add some depth options. Although it is unlikely he falls to this point, Pierce would be a steal at pick 126. He could give Josh McDaniels another possible boundary threat who is also a freak athlete. Pierce is also a good blocker, which McDaniels should also like.
For more on Pierce, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 5, Pick 164: Jack Jones, CB, Arizona State
The Raiders already made a move in their secondary, acquiring Rock Ya-Sin from the Indianapolis Colts, however, they could use another body or two. Jones, despite playing on the outside in the Pac-12, lacks the ideal size to stick there in the NFL. He does however fit the profile perfectly to be a slot corner at the next level. The 5-foot-11 cornerback is good in man coverage and can be considered a ballhawk with 10 career interceptions. Likely not a day one starter, but this would be a solid depth move.
Round 5, Pick 165: Dare Rosenthal, OT, Kentucky
The interior of the Raiders’ offensive front is the bigger need, but right tackle depth will be an issue next offseason. Here the Raiders get Rosenthal, a 6-foot-7 tackle out of Kentucky, who although raw, possesses a ton of power. The Raiders could easily shift him to right tackle, and if everything goes good, take over for Brandon Parker in 2023, if not sooner.
Round 7, Pick 227: Esezi Otomewo, EDGE, Minnesota
Pass rush is far from a pressing need, the Raiders, however, have the luxury of taking a flyer here with their last draft pick. Otomewo is more finesse than power but has the profile and versatility that should land him on an NFL roster. Putting him in the edge rusher room with guys like Chandler Jones should help out a ton as well.
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