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The Las Vegas Raiders have had a busy offseason. The team released Derek Carr after nine years with the franchise. While they reportedly wanted Tom Brady, the future Hall of Famer retired.
Las Vegas then pivoted and signed veteran Jimmy Garoppolo to replace Carr. Yet, the veteran’s contract allows the Raiders to cut him next offseason.
Therefore, many mock drafts had the team selecting a quarterback with their first-round pick, but that didn’t happen. How did Las Vegas use their nine selections in the 2023 NFL Draft?
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Who Did The Las Vegas Raiders Draft On Offense?
The Raiders waited until the second round to invest in the offense. The team traded up in the second round to grab Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. After trading away Darren Waller this offseason, Las Vegas had a massive hole at tight end. However, the rookie should fill that role this season. Mayer was PFF’s highest-graded tight end last year.
Las Vegas also used a third-round pick on Cincinnati wide receiver Tre Tucker. He will have an uphill fight to make an impact on offense as a rookie. However, the former Bearcat can help on special teams.
While the team passed on a quarterback early in the draft, the Raiders traded a fifth and sixth-round pick to the New England Patriots for the last pick in the fourth round. The Raiders selected Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell with that pick. He should push for the backup role as a rookie.
Who Did The Las Vegas Raiders Draft On Defense?
The Raiders might have landed the steal of the first round when Tyree Wilson fell in their lap with the seventh overall pick. The former Texas Tech edge rusher has massive upside and an incredible wingspan.
Las Vegas spent two of their next four picks on defense, selecting Alabama defensive lineman Byron Young and Maryland cornerback Jakorian Bennett. Young had 12.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for a loss over the past two years. Meanwhile, Bennett had two interceptions and 11 passes defended last year, leading the team in both categories.
After the Raiders used a fourth-round pick on O’Connell, the team spent their final three selections on defense. They drafted safety Chris Smith II in the fifth round, linebacker Amari Burney in the sixth, and Nest Jade Silvera in the seventh. All three could play some rotational snaps as rookies.
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