Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft Projections, Positions Needed & Mock Draft

Las Vegas Raiders 2022 Draft

Despite all of the tumult with Jon Gruden getting fired in midseason, the 2021 Las Vegas Raiders regained some of the franchise’s old swagger. Facing a 6-7 record after being blasted, 48-9, by the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas won its final four games to earn a Wild-Card berth. After losing a narrow decision to the Cincinnati Bengals in the playoffs, Las Vegas could be on the rise under coach Josh McDaniels.

There was a lot of buzz about whether to commit to veteran quarterback Derek Carr, who passed for 4,804 yards, 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season. That went out the window when the Silver and Black acquired All-Pro wide receiver-and Carr’s Fresno State teammate Davante Adams. Adams was a Green Packer mainstay for eight seasons, with 669 receptions and 73 touchdowns. He wasn’t cheap, costing Las Vegas its first- and second-round selections in this draft.

Complete with new contract, Adams thus solved one of the biggest Raider issues, that being to whom is Carr throwing, The Raiders had a strong unit last season, but there were “situations” that made the position less productive. Henry Ruggs III was the driver in a fatal DUI accident that saw him cut by the Raiders.

Adams joins a corps that includes Hunter Renfrow, who led the team with 1,038 yards on 103 catches (nine touchdowns), and tight end Darren Waller, the team’s second-leading receiver with 665 yards.

Las Vegas has over $14 million in cap space (as of this writing), offering some flexibility to enhance its roster. .

Players Leaving the Las Vegas Raiders

Linebacker Cory Littleton, signed away by the Carolina Panthers, had been consistent, if not spectacular, in his two seasons with the Raiders after coming from the Los Angeles Rams. He was productive in L.A., intercepting six passes and recording 8½ sacks in four seasons. In two seasons with the Raiders, he recorded 180 tackles and one-half sack, but didn’t created any turnovers.

Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski may be another salary cap casualty. Kwiatkoski had a hard time staying on the field (just eight games), hampered by injuries last season. In two seasons with the Raiders, he’s missed 12 games and has mostly played on special teams. Expect Las Vegas to look in a different direction.

Raiders fullback Alec Ingold will also be hitting free agency, as Las Vegas chose not to tender him on a restricted free-agent deal. In three seasons with the Raiders, Ingold caught 28 passes for 239 yards (three touchdowns). Ingold also played a key role on special teams for Vegas, recovering three fumbles and recording seven tackles.

Positions Needed by the Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders could use a ballhawk in their secondary, which only intercepted six passes last season. Casey Hayward Jr. had a strong season, but didn’t create a lot of turnovers.

With five players on the defensive line set to hit free agency, there’s going to be some turnover. It’s unlikely the Raiders will lose everyone, but Las Vegas will want to add to its depth. The Raiders may have been looking for a bit of a facelift on the D-line anyway. In nine of 17 games last season, they allowed more than 120 rushing yards.

The Raiders will also be seeking help at several positions on the offensive line.

Las Vegas Raiders Mock Draft

Now devoid of selections in the first and second rounds, where the Raiders go is anyone’s guess.

If’s he available, perhaps Southern California linebacker Drake Jackson. Jackson, 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, recorded five sacks and 37 tackles during his junior season with the Trojans. He also recorded a fumble and intercepted a pass.

Cornerback Tariq Woolen, at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, could be a nice middle-round selection for the Raiders. He has good size for the position and was a part of a Texas-San Antonio team that had arguably the best season in the program’s history. Woolen intercepted a pass and defended five for the Roadrunners.

Georgia guard Jamaree Salyer could also be available in the middle rounds to help the Raiders. He only allowed one sack in college, and was moved into a guard position after starting his career at tackle. Salyer was named to the Walter Camp all-American second team, and also chosen as second-team all-SEC by the Associated Press and coaches. Check Raiders’ NFL Draft odds and NFL Odds.

2022 NFL Draft Event Information

Date: Thursday, Apr. 28th (Round 1) | Friday, Apr. 29th (Rounds 2-3) | Saturday, Apr. 30th (Rounds 4-7)
Time: 8 p.m. ET (Thursday) | 7 p.m. ET (Friday) | Noon ET (Saturday)
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, NV
TV Channel: ABC | ESPN | NFL Network
NFL Draft Live Streaming: NFL Game Pass