The 2023 Las Vegas Raiders draft should have them looking defense early and often. General manager Dave Ziegler and Co. have several holes to fill on that side of the ball following a disastrous 2022 season.
Vegas didn’t do a whole lot to improve defensively during NFL free agency, leading to widespread speculation that it will use the 2023 NFL Draft as a springboard.
The good news? Josh McDaniels’ squad has four picks within the first three rounds to get things done. Vegas can also potentially trade down from seven to acquire more assets. Meanwhile, there’s a need for a quarterback of the future after the Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo as a stopgap.
Before we get into five players the team should target, let’s check in all the Raiders draft picks for the upcoming event.
Related: 2023 Las Vegas Raiders mock draft
Las Vegas Raiders draft picks in 2023
- Round 1 – 7th overall
- Round 2 – 38th overall
- Round 3 – 70th overall
- Round 3 (via NYG) – 100th overall
- Round 4 – 109th overall
- Round 5 – 141st overall\
- Round 5 (via ATL) – 144th overall
- Round 5 – 174th overall
- Round 6 (via DAL) – 204th overall
- Round 6 – 214th overall
- Round 7 (via ARZ) -220th overall
- Round 7 (via NE) – 231st overall
Las Vegas Raiders draft targets: First round
Jalen Carter, defensive tackle, Georgia
There are some obvious concerns over Carter’s off-field issues and his conditioning after showing up overweight for Georgia’s Pro Day. This has taken him off the board as a top-three pick. However, it could end up being a major boon for Vegas.
Carter (6-foot-3 and 314 pounds) is seen as a Pro Bowl talent from the defensive tackle position. We’re talking about a strong prospect with surprise athleticism for someone his size. Carter boasts plus-level pass-rush moves and the leverage to be a consistent force in the backfield. He’d be an anchor on the Raiders’ defensive line next to stud edge guy Maxx Crosby. This is an ideal fit.
Related: 2023 NFL mock draft
Las Vegas Raiders draft targets: Second round
Dawand Jones, offensive tackle, Ohio State
To say that right tackle is a need for the Raiders is an understatement. Ziegler and Co. did nothing to really address this problem in free agency. No, re-signing Brandon Parker and Jermaine Eluemunor does nothing to change this.
In Jones, Vegas would be acquiring a potential Day 1 starter opposite left tackle Kolton Miller. At 6-foot-8 and 374 pounds, he’s an absolute mauler. He has good athleticism for someone his size and can overwhelm smaller edge guys at the point of contact. Add in plus-level run blocking in front of reigning NFL rushing champion Josh Jacobs, and this is just a terrific fit for Vegas in Round 2.
Related: Why the 2023 Las Vegas Raiders draft should include a tight end
Hendon Hooker, quarterback, Tennessee
As noted above, Vegas needs to address the quarterback position at some point early in the 2023 NFL Draft. Right now, it does not seem like the team is going to do that in the top 10 of the opening round.
In this scenario, Hooker falls on to the Raiders’ lap at 38th overall. A Heisman candidate last season before suffering a torn ACL, he was all sorts of amazing for Tennessee.
- Hendon Hooker stats (2022): 69.6% completion, 3,135 passing yards, 430 rushing yards, 32 TD, 2 INT
In addition to his otherworldly college stats, Hooker’s tape tells us a lot. He has one of the strongest arms in the draft class, is pretty darn athletic and boasts an ideal frame (6-foot-3, 217 pounds). Hooker could sit behind Jimmy Garoppolo for a season or two before taking over as the Raiders’ starter.
Las Vegas Raiders draft targets: Third round
Eli Ricks, cornerback, Alabama
Cornerback was another issue for the Raiders a season ago. Youngsters Amik Robertson (96.2 QB rating when targeted) and Nate Hobbs (120.2) were absolutely dreadful in coverage. There is very little reason to believe free agent additions such as Duke Shelley, Brandon Facyson and David Long will be able to change the dynamics too much in Sin City.
Instead, the Raiders target a physical 6-foot-2 cornerback who has an ability to play every position in the defensive backfield. Prior to making his way to Alabama last season, Ricks recorded five interceptions in two seasons with LSU. Heading into the 2022 season, he was seen as a potential first-round prospect. The talent is here.
Related: Why the 2023 Las Vegas Raiders draft is as important as 2019
DeMarvion Overshown, linebacker Texas
It has been somewhat of a revolving door at linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders. This offseason saw the team sign former Pittsburgh Steelers reserve Robert Spillane. That might have been one of the worst signings in NFL free agency. Last season in Pittsburgh, Spillane yielded an 83.7% completion when targeted. Ouch!
Overshown is a complete antithesis of this. The former Texas star played both linebacker and safety with the Longhorns. Last season saw him defend five passes with 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. He’s a sideline-to-sideline backer and can be a three-down guy for Vegas moving forward.
Let us know what you think about our Las Vegas Raiders draft targets by communicating via twitter at @Sportsnaut or @VincentFrankNFL.
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