As of right now, the Las Vegas Raiders boast the seventh pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. General manager Dave Ziegler could potentially look to move up for a quarterback of his choosing after Vegas ended the Derek Carr experiment and replacing him with Derek Carr.
Vegas’ inability to add major difference makers on defense during NFL free agency also creates some major issues for the downtrodden organization.
Below, we provide you with our final mock draft for 2023 with an explanation about the top picks and a full list of their projected selections below.
Related: Sportsnaut’s 2023 NFL mock draft
Las Vegas Raiders draft needs 2023
Here is a list of the Las Vegas Raiders draft needs heading into the 2023 offseason and NFL free agency.
- Quarterback
- Offensive tackle
- Guard
- Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Safety
2023 Las Vegas Raiders draft picks
- Round 1, 7th overall
- Round 2, 38th overall
- Round 3, 70th overall
- Round 3, 100th overall
- Round 4, 109th overall
- Round 5, 141st overall
- Round 5, 144th overall
- Round 5, 174th overall
- Round 6, 204th overall
- Round 6, 214th overall
- Round 7, 220th overall
- Round 7, 231st overall
Related: Las Vegas Raiders QB situation might not be settled in 2023
Las Vegas Raiders mock draft: Defining moment for regime in Sin City
Sportsnaut used Pro Football Focus’ NFL Draft simulator, which provides the flexibility to trade and work through a variety of scenarios. Let’s dive into our Raiders mock draft.
Round 1, 19th overall: Kelee Ringo, cornerback, Georgia
- Trade: Raiders trade 7th pick to the Buccaneers for Devin White, 19th pick and 2024 2nd-round pick
Vegas has needs on all tiers of its defense. Hence, why picking up a proven Pro Bowl linebacker in Devin White by moving down just 12 spots and adding a future second-round pick makes sense for the Raiders.
In this scenario, Vegas is also able to grab a versatile defensive back in Ringo who can play all positions in the defensive backfield. Perhaps the Raiders try him out at cornerback after some major struggles in that area a season ago.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated NFL Draft rumors
Round 2, 38th overall: Darnell Washington, tight end, Georgia
By being able to technically acquire two defensive starters in Day 1, Vegas can turn its attention to providing Garoppolo more targets after trading Darren Waller. Sure the presences of veterans Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard help short term. But they need a long-term solution.
That’s where the 6-foot-7 Washington comes into play. He’s a physical speciman and someone who could potentially make an impact out of the gate. We love Washington’s measurables and what he might be able to bring to the table in Sin City.
Round 3, 70th overall: Steve Avila, guard, Texas Christian
As of right now, the Raiders are set to start Alex Bars at right guard. That is not an ideal scenario in front of an immobile quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo. Either way, drafting a long-term replacement to go with stud youngster Dylan Parham makes sense.
Avila started at both guard and center during his time with the Horned Frogs. His massive 332-pound frame provides a ton in the running game, too. Given his experience, Avila could actually start at right guard as a rookie.
3rd round, 100th overall: Kendre Miller, running back, Texas Christian
With the selection acquired from the Giants for Darren Waller, the Raiders add yet another young weapon on offense. Miller is among the most explosive skill-position players in the NFL Draft. Last season saw him put up north of 1,500 total yards and 17 touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per touch.
Even if Vegas is able to retain Josh Jacobs long term, finding a different type of back to go with him makes a ton of sense.
Las Vegas Raiders mock draft
- Round 1, 19th overall: Kelee Ringo, defensive back, Georgia
- Round 2, 38th overall: Darnell Washington, tight end, Georgia
- Round 3, 70th overall: Steve Avila, guard, Texas Christian
- Round 3, 100th overall: Kendre Miller, running back, Texas Christian
- Round 4, 109th overall:
- Round 5, 141st overall: Tyler Steen, offensive tackle, Alabama
- Round 5, 144th overall: Trey Dean, safety, Florida
- Round 5, 174th overall: Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan
- Round 6, 204th overall: Jarrett Patterson, center, Notre Dame
- Round 6, 214th overall: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, quarterback, UCLA
- Round 7, 220th overall: Cam Jones, linebacker, Indiana
- Round 7, 231st overall: Mitchell Tinsley, wide receiver, Penn State