Raiders' Roadmap to Success: Key First-Round Prospects to Keep an Eye on at the Combine
March 2, 2023
Hunter Macias
The Las Vegas Raiders, holding the No. 7 overall pick, will evaluate their options in the NFL scouting combine, looking for a long-term quarterback solution and other positions like offensive line and defensive line.
NFL Draft
0
As the NFL scouting combine kicks off this week in Indianapolis, attention turns to the Las Vegas Raiders and their relatively high draft standing. With the Raiders holding the No. 7 overall pick, and with 29 unrestricted free agents and a bottom-5 defense, it’s clear that QB is not the Raiders’ only major target. In fact, the team needs to evaluate the position groups and specific players that they should focus on as potential first-round targets at the combine.
The Raiders have only drafted a quarterback in the first round three times since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, and they are in need of a quarterback for the first time since 2014, having cut Derek Carr. This makes it crucial for the Raiders to keep an eye on the quarterbacks at the combine. Head coach Josh McDaniels has indicated that the Raiders are looking for a long-term solution at quarterback, and with nine draft picks and at least two more compensatory selections, the Raiders have the draft capital to move up should they feel the need to select a specific someone.
1. Quarterback
As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, the biggest question mark on their roster remains at the quarterback position. With free agency looming, the Raiders are faced with several options to consider. Will they make a splash by trading for a superstar like Aaron Rodgers or take a chance on a young prospect like Mac Jones? Another option could be to bring back former backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo or even give Jarrett Stidham a chance to prove himself. Head coach Josh McDaniels has made it clear that the team is looking for a long-term solution at quarterback, which means they may also look towards the draft. If they choose to go that route, they'll have to decide whether to trade up for a quarterback like Stroud or Young, whose skill sets would fit well in McDaniels' system. On the other hand, trading back may allow them to still snag a promising prospect like Richardson while also acquiring additional draft capital. With so many options on the table, it's crucial for the Raiders to keep a close eye on the quarterbacks they're interested in during the combine. Levis may be too tempting to pass up if he's still available at the seventh pick, while Richardson's potential is matched by concerns about his accuracy. Regardless of which route the Raiders ultimately choose to take, one thing is for certain: the quarterback position will be a key factor in determining the team's success next season.
2. Offensive Line
As the Las Vegas Raiders continue to assess their needs for next season, the importance of protecting their quarterback cannot be overstated. While the rebuilt offensive line from last year exceeded expectations, with Josh Jacobs taking the league by storm and leading the league in rushing and Derek Carr being sacked significantly fewer times than the previous year, the team is now faced with the challenge of retaining their key free agents. Among those set to hit the market are starting right side linemen Alex Bars and Jermaine Eluemunor, which means the Raiders will need to find some fresh talent to step up and fill their shoes. Fortunately, there are several promising prospects in this year's draft who could help solidify the offensive line. Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. is a standout candidate who excelled as a left tackle in college but could be a Day 1 starter at right tackle in the NFL. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-7 and 308 pounds, Johnson's size and skill set would fit well with McDaniels' system that favors taller right tackles. Meanwhile, Northwestern's Peter Skoronski is another prospect who could provide some much-needed muscle as a run-blocking guard. Finally, Georgia's Broderick Jones is another intriguing option. Jones' impressive record of not allowing a sack at left tackle last season is a testament to his impressive technique and quick reflexes, and he could bring some much-needed stability to the Raiders' offensive line. As the Raiders weigh their options ahead of the draft, it's clear that addressing the offensive line will be a top priority, and these talented prospects could be the key to a successful season.
3. Defensive Line
The Las Vegas Raiders are in a strong position at edge rusher, with Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, who is entering the second year of his three-year $51 million free-agent deal. However, the possibility of adding a versatile pass-rusher like Georgia's Jalen Carter or Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. may be too tempting to pass up, especially if they're still available at No. 7. Carter, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, has shown the ability to disrupt the passer from anywhere along the defensive line, racking up six sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. Anderson, on the other hand, boasts an impressive record of 27.5 sacks, 54 tackles for loss, and 130 pressures in the same timeframe, despite being slightly smaller at 6-4 and 243 pounds. While the Raiders may need to trade up to snag one of these highly coveted prospects, it's clear that they could add a significant boost to the defense. Pairing one of these game-changing pass-rushers with Crosby and Jones could create a formidable defensive line that would strike fear into opposing quarterbacks. Of course, if the Raiders choose to address the quarterback position in free agency, they may need to adjust their draft strategy. In this scenario, going heavy on defense early and taking a flier on a quarterback in the middle rounds could be a viable plan, especially if they opt to re-sign Jarrett Stidham. All in all, the Raiders' draft plans will largely depend on their decisions in free agency. But keeping a close eye on top defensive prospects at the combine will be crucial, as a difference-maker like Carter or Anderson could be the key to taking the team to the next level.
4. Cornerback
As the Las Vegas Raiders continue to search for the next great cornerback to don the silver and black, they'll have some intriguing options to consider in the upcoming draft. While the Raiders already have a solid pass rush, upgrading the cornerback position will only make the defense that much better, and could be a key factor in getting the team back to the playoffs. One name to keep an eye on is Illinois' Devon Witherspoon, who showed incredible ball skills last season with three interceptions and 14 pass breakups. Witherspoon's former college teammate, Raiders DB Nate Hobbs, could also vouch for his abilities on the field. Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. and Oregon's Christian Gonzalez are also worth watching. At 6-2, Gonzalez is the biggest of the three and had a productive season with four interceptions and seven pass breakups, while Porter used his physicality to deter opposing quarterbacks from throwing his way. Of course, the Raiders may have to trade back in the draft to acquire one of these cornerbacks, but it could be worth it to shore up the position. The Raiders have had a tough time filling the shoes of legends like Willie Brown and Charles Woodson, but finding a shutdown cornerback would go a long way towards restoring the team's reputation as a defensive powerhouse.
