The Las Vegas Raiders are a returning playoff team with new leadership in head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. They are quite capable of making another run in the AFC through what shapes up as a formidable passing connection between quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Davante Adams. Even without first- and second-round picks, they can still fill some team needs in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Las Vegas Raiders team needs in the 2022 NFL Draft
The Raiders have five draft picks this year: 3-86, 4-126, 5-164, 5-165, and 7-227. A year ago, they drafted Alabama OT Alex Leatherwood in the first round, TCU S Trevon Moehrig in the second round, and Buffalo EDGE Malcolm Koonce and Virginia Tech S/LB Divine Deablo in the third round.
The Raiders’ best draft pick was fifth-round cornerback Nate Hobbs, whose performance suggested he should have been drafted even higher.
Here are their most obvious team needs:
Offensive line
The Raiders allowed 40 sacks in 2021, and Carr was pressured 146 times. Additionally, they ranked 27th in rushing yards per attempt.
Leatherwood didn’t get off to a fast start at tackle and struggled once moved to guard. He had 14 penalties and allowed 8 sacks.
The Raiders need help at right tackle and right guard. Justin Shaffer, an imposing University of Georgia guard, could help the Raiders.
Chattanooga guard Cole Strange is another good option. He excelled at the Senior Bowl all-star game, proving he’s capable of holding up against Power Five defenders.
Linebacker
The Raiders ranked 26th in points allowed, conceded 18 touchdown runs, and recorded a league-low 6 interceptions.
There are some linebackers who could help the Raiders in the third round and beyond. That includes Georgia’s Channing Tindall, who has 4.47 speed and is an instinctive playmaker.
Other linebacker prospects who could help the Raiders include Auburn’s Zakoby McClain, Wisconsin’s Jack Sanborn, and Nebraska’s JoJo Domann.
Cornerback
Casey Hayward left in free agency, joining the Atlanta Falcons on a two-year, $11 million contract. Thus, the Raiders could use some reinforcements at the position.
UTSA’s Tariq Woolen is a long corner who has the length and athleticism to help a secondary that includes Trayvon Mullen and Hobbs.
Wide receiver
Hunter Renfrow and Adams are the primary wide receivers, but Zay Jones signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars during free agency. Las Vegas could use more help to bolster the position.
Among the wide receivers that could be available and provide assistance: Western Michigan’s Skyy Moore, Cincinnati’s Alec Pierce, Alabama’s John Metchie III, Kentucky’s Wan’Dale Robinson, and Purdue’s David Bell.
