Las Vegas Raiders 7-Round Mock Draft

With one of the most important events in football happening this week, we’ve decided to take a look at all of the draft prospects and see where the Las Vegas Raiders would fair in a 7-round mock draft. We’ve decided to keep it simple and not discuss potential trades because the reality is anything can happen on draft day.  

The Raiders are in desperate need of a defense that will be able to compete in a division stacked with offensive superstars like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. Their defense is currently one of the lowest in the league at #26. Although they need to work towards building the defense, the Raiders are also looking for a long-term QB solution. With the number 7 overall pick, it is difficult to know what General Manager Dave Ziegler and Head Coach Josh McDaniels will do. It is likely that the top QB prospects are off the board by the time the Raiders are on the clock, which would mean that their focus would be on the top defensive prospects. 

Round 1  

Pick #7 Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon

 

Vegas has a tough decision to make here. If one of the top quarterbacks is available, then the Raiders will need to take him here. If not, their attention should turn to the best available defensive player. The franchise needs some excitement in this area, and CB Christian Gonzalez might just be the spark that this defense needs. With the perfect combination of size and speed, This Cornerback has the potential to be a game-changer in the league and make a difference on the defensive side of the football for Vegas.  

Round 2 

Pick #38 Mazi Smith DT Michigan 

 

Another exciting defensive prospect is Michigan’s defensive tackle, Mazi Smith. At 6’3,’’ 337 lbs. He impresses with his speed and his pursuit ability. Las Vegas can use the extra help in this area, and Mazi appears to be what is most needed in the position. 

Round 3 

Pick #70 Hendon Hooker QB, Tennessee  

 

If the Raiders can score Hendon Hooker in the third round, this would be a game-changer for the franchise. With Carr’s exit from the team and the addition of Brian Hoyer and injury-prone Jimmy Garoppolo, the Raiders are in desperate need of a long-term solution here. C. J. Stroud is at the top of GM Dave Zieglers QB list, but he’ll likely be gone by the time the Raiders are on the clock, so scoring Hooker in round 3 would be a dream. 

Pick #100 Zack Kuntz TE Old Dominion

 

It would only be fitting if the Raiders used this pick on a tight end since they ended up acquiring it by trading away TE Darren Waller to the Giants. Although Vegas signed Austin Hooper and O. J. Howard, this is only a temporary solution to a potentially long-term problem. Jimmy will need all the help he can get, and adding a reliable TE like Zack Kuntz makes sense.  

Round 4 

Pick #109 Henry To’o To’o LB Alabama

 

At pick 109, the Raiders should continue looking to add excellence to the defensive side of the ball, and linebacker Henry To’o To’o should fit right into the silver and black. Although Henry isn’t exactly a physical threat, he makes up for that with his active feet, speed, and length. At 109, To’o To’o is a solid option for the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Round 5 

#141 Byron Young DT Alabama

 

More defensive help comes in the form of defensive tackle Byron Young from Alabama. Scoring Young in the fourth round is a major bargain for a player that can make an instant impact on the team. Young can use his natural abilities and skills to disrupt any blocking schemes. He is greatly needed to boost the Raider defense.

 

#144 Wanya Morris OT Oklahoma

 

At pick #144, it makes sense to add more depth to the offensive tackle position. Wanya would be joining Jermaine Eluemunor and Kolton Miller who are good but not great and this can spark a little competition at the position which would push for quality production. 

#174 Jarrette Patterson OC Notre Dame

Another addition that will add a bit of depth to the position. A decent pick for #174 

Round 6 

#204 Hunter Luepke RB North Dakota

Although the Raiders currently have the best running back in the league, Josh Jacob’s future with the team is still uncertain. It’s obvious Jacobs isn’t too happy about being franchise tagged and is holding out on signing. Whether he plays under the tag or not, the Raiders need to make a move that secures that position. The addition of a running back like Hunter Luepke isn’t a bad idea in round 6. 

Round 7

The rest of the remaining picks in the last two rounds should be utilized to continue to fill defensive holes in an effort to build a defense that can actually compete in the league. 

#214 Ja’von Hicks S Cincinnati 

#220 Jalen Redmon DT Oklahoma 

#231 Cam Jones LB Indiana 

Overall, the Raiders should be aggressive in this draft and possibly trade to get key players that are desperately needed. If there is a way to get C.J. Stroud, Vegas needs to make it happen. If he is gone then they should focus on getting key pieces on the defensive side of the ball and try to find a bargain like Hendon Hooker in later rounds.