Las Vegas Raiders 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
Following the 2022 offseason that featured big moves, like acquiring star wide receiver Davante Adams, the Las Vegas Raiders had playoff expectations. The 2022 season did not go as planned with a 6-11 record. Coach Josh McDaniels had a rough first season but he is safe for now.
Las Vegas will look to add young, impactful pieces in the offseason. A good 2023 NFL Draft could be the biggest key. Here are several positions the Raiders could target in the upcoming draft.
Let’s check the most recent NFL picks, statistics, and the top betting insights for the 2023 NFL mock draft. Additionally, we have an abundance of NFL draft odds for your consideration.
2022 Season Record: 6-11
Status of Coach: Josh McDaniels – Safe
Positions Needed by the Raiders
- Quarterback
- Offensive line
- Defensive back
- Linebacker
- Defensive tackle
Notable Draft Picks
- Round 1, Pick 7
- Round 2, Pick 38
Potential First-Round Targets
With the Raiders moving on from Derek Carr, the quarterback position is the biggest need by a landslide. Backup QB Jarrett Stidham started the final two games of the season and was decent. Rolling with Stidham seems too risky. Las Vegas must find a new signal caller.
There is an outside shot the Raiders could acquire a veteran quarterback, like Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers. For now, this is just speculation and we will assume Las Vegas will begin the 2023 NFL Draft with no clear answer at quarterback.
This is where things get interesting. The No. 7 pick is a good spot. There’s a good chance Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Kentucky’s Will Levis will be available, assuming the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions do not select a QB.
Adams and tight end Darren Waller are 30, meaning the Raiders cannot afford to undergo a complete rebuild. Stroud would be the better fit as he should be an immediate impact with his high-level accuracy and touch. The Ohio State product should also fit McDaniels’ offense well as a traditional pocket passer. The only concern is how Stroud fares against pressure since Las Vegas’ offensive line is a work in progress. Stroud was excellent against pressure in the College Football Playoff Semifinal against Georgia, but there should still be some hesitation.
Levis, on the other hand, would provide more athleticism and mobility. Plus, he has a cannon for an arm. However, Levis is a more raw prospect with shaky accuracy that could take time to develop.
Don’t be surprised if the Raiders attempt to trade up in the first round, especially with the Chicago Bears holding the No. 1 pick. It would require a pick swap and several future first-rounders and/or second-rounders. But the trade would be worth it if Las Vegas could choose between Alabama’s Bryce Young or Stroud. Both would be immediate impacts, especially Young with his excellent playmaking.
Learn More About the AFC West Draft 2023
- Denver Broncos 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- Kansas City Chiefs 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- Los Angeles Rams 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
Potential Second-Round Targets
As mentioned, the offensive line is a concern. Right tackle has been a massive issue for two seasons. The Raiders tried to solve the problem in the 2021 NFL Draft by drafting Alex Leatherwood in the first round. He was a bust and was cut ahead of the 2022 season.
Las Vegas toyed with several O-line rotations throughout the season that gave several players an opportunity to start at right tackle, as Jermaine Eluemunor and Thayer Munford Jr. With a high second-round selection, the Raiders could finally fill the need.
Dawand Jones (Ohio State) looks like an ideal fit. He started two full seasons at right tackle for the Buckeyes. His massive 6-foot-8, 359-pound frame gives him immense strength. Plus, Jones has impressive athleticism for his size. The Ohio State product particularly excels in the run game, which is ideal following running back Josh Jacobs’ outstanding season. Also, Jones comes off his best pass-blocking season yet with zero allowed sacks and has plenty of potential thanks to his strength and awareness.
Get the latest NFL Draft betting odds and Vegas odds draft for the upcoming event. Our expert analysis and insights can help you make informed decisions and win big on your NFL Draft bets.
#OSU RT Dawand Jones really impressed me against #UGA. Saw it in real time but really nice snatch-trap on Jalen Carter, plus cuts him off on a backside toss play.
A Senior Bowl scout likened his size to Jonathan Ogden: https://t.co/9H3E3pHU6p pic.twitter.com/0cPeDFkDS4
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 7, 2023
