[Editor’s Note: Version 1.0 below was originally published on February 8]
The “Las Vegas Raiders” is officially the way to address the team in silver and black. As they move to their new home, the team will be looking to make a splash in both free agency and the draft. In this Raiders 7-round mock draft, I do my best to provide the Black Hole with talent in every round. I added five players that I expect to be starters or at least major role players immediately, along with two others who could be vital additions to the offensive line depth. The one thing I didn’t address was the quarterback position because I expect the team to upgrade via free agency, and if not, then I expect them to roll with Derek Carr. The top quarterback available with the Raiders’ first pick was Jordan Love.
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Team Needs
The Raiders have enough talent on the team to yield a competitive roster, but they lack playmakers on both sides of the football. So in this Raiders 7-round mock draft, I made sure to focus on adding talent to the secondary and wide receiver unit. The Raiders could also desperately use a linebacker that can make plays in the backfield, and drop into coverage comfortably. Unfortunately, the linebacker class is very weak this year, so they may have to look at different ways to address the position.
- Wide Receiver
- Cornerback
- Secondary
- Linebacker
- Offensive Line Depth
Draft
Round 1, Pick 12: CeeDee Lamb, WR Oklahoma
This Raiders 7-round mock draft could not have started better. I knew I wanted to target a wide receiver with one of the two first-round picks. I never thought my top-ranked wide receiver would have been available at 12. Lamb is one of the nation’s top receivers and was one of the most productive receivers in Oklahoma history. Lamb caught a touchdown every five and a half times he caught the ball. That’s a ridiculous ratio for any receiver; now add the fact that he averaged nearly 60 receptions a season, and you know you have a true number one receiver.
It’s a bold statement, but when I watch Lamb, I see a ton of similarities to Texans star DeAndre Hopkins. Both are dominant at the point of attack, great route runners, and possess sticky hands, all while being a bit lean and not elite athletes. Lamb has the tools to become an elite wide receiver and I believe he’s the top receiver in this loaded class. Great get for the Raiders.
Round 1, Pick 19: Grant Delpit, Safety LSU
The Raiders spent a first-round pick on Jonathan Abram last year, but an injury sidelined him for almost the entire year. Adding Grant Delpit would give them a safety tandem that could be one of the top tandems in the NFL. Delpit could work over the top in coverage while Abram plays close the line of scrimmage, thus maximizing the strengths for both players. On top of that, they can both function as a dime linebackers, something the Raiders desperately lack.
Delpit is a high upside prospect, similar to Derwin James in 2018, who I think will be better in the NFL than in college. Delpit has the athletic ability and size to be one of the league’s top safeties. He needs to work on his technique as a tackler, but with proper coaching, he could be an elite NFL safety.
Round 3, Pick 80: Malik Harrison, LB Ohio State
As I mentioned earlier, the Raiders desperately need someone to work behind the line of scrimmage who can make plays in the run game and be comfortable in coverage. Malik Harrison lacks elite athletic ability, but he’s solid in coverage due to natural instincts. He’s an absolute thumper in the run game and is the personification of a “Gruden’s Grinder.”
Round 3, Pick 81: Cameron Dantzler, CB Mississippi State
Cameron Dantzler being available was a major shock for me, though I do believe he’s a bit scheme specific. Dantzler has elite length, strong ball skills, and requisite athletic ability. Dantzler is very erratic, and it shows in run fits and in his ability as a tackler. I would like to see him add some weight before he can become a complete player.
Round 3, Pick 91: Trey Adams, OT Washington
Trey Adams was at one point viewed as a potential first-round pick. He has great size, solid athletic ability, and good technique. However, injury has derailed his career to this point. If Adams can remain healthy in the NFL, however, he would be an excellent swing tackle option for the Raiders. Adams will also be entering his fourth year when right tackle Trent Brown’s contract ends, so Adams could slide in perfectly if Brown eventually walks.
Round 4, Pick 111: Shane Lemieux, IOL Oregon
Similar to the Adams pick, Shane Lemieux is someone who could slide in and potentially be a starter day one. However, things might work better if Lemieux can spend time developing in the NFL and can work as a spot starter. Then, when the Raiders need someone to take over on the interior, he can be that guy.
Round 7, Pick 204: Reggie Roberson, WR, SMU
The Raiders took Lamb in the first round of this Raiders’ 7-round mock draft, but Lamb lacks elite vertical speed, as does the rest of the Raiders receiving corps. Adding Reggie Roberson could help fix that. Roberson is one of my favorite draft sleepers, and I believe he can be one of the league’s top deep threats. That’s value in the seventh round.
Raiders 7-round mock draft overview
For this mock, I set out to add playmakers to the receiving corps and the secondary, while also addressing the linebacker need. However, it was also my intent to select the best player available at every pick. With this mock, I feel that was accomplished and the Raiders would be set for a strong debut season in Las Vegas. To check out other teams’ 7-round mock drafts, go here.