The season is over and the 2023 NFL Mock Draft cycle is ready to take steam for the Las Vegas Raiders. Taking a look at the specific selections from a recent Raiders NFL Mock Draft is an eye-opening experience at what could be for the franchise next season. In these scenarios, trades were active among others via the Mock Draft Simulator, but the Raiders held steady and did not make any trades.
Latest Las Vegas Raiders 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State | Round 1, Pick 7
It’s no surprise to anyone that the Raiders need help along the offensive line. Paris Johnson Jr. enters the fray as the top tackle prospect on the board with positional versatility to play inside in a pinch.
Johnson was terrific in 2022 for Ohio State, his first year at left tackle for the Buckeyes. He has no issue in pass protection, continuously improving last year. But his bread and butter is on the ground. Getting Johnson in space as the lead blocker will pay immediate dividends for the Raiders.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State | Round 2, Pick 38
One of the most dominant edge rushers of the past two seasons, Felix Anudike-Uzomah brings length, power, and speed to the Raiders. At one point in his career, Anudike-Uzomah recorded six sacks in a single game, showcasing true game-changing skills.
He’s 6’4″ and 254 pounds but somehow plays like a much heavier man with how powerful he is at the point of attack. Anudike-Uzomah pairs incredibly well with Maxx Crosby on the opposite side.
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois | Round 3, Pick 70
There’s a chance Devon Witherspoon doesn’t last this long, but if he does, Raiders fans, you want him on your team. Witherspoon was terrific for Illinois over the past four seasons, culminating in a dominant final year.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
He has some of the best man-coverage skills, limiting receivers along their routes and after the catch all the same. Witherspoon made a knack of breaking up passes, forcing at least 17 incompletions a year ago, nearly as many receptions that he allowed in his coverage.
Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan | Round 4, Pick 106
The College Football Network Player of the Year, Olusegun Oluwatimi plays a brand of football that is seldom seen nowadays. Oluwatimi is one of those players that will undoubtedly go under-drafted but start for a decade at center.
Almost like former Raiders center Rodney Hudson, the glamour of playing center isn’t lost on Oluwatimi but rather on evaluations of him. He’s a gritty, tough-nosed blocker who excels in both facets. Vegas, you want this man.
Tuli Tuipulotu, DI, USC | Round 5, Pick 138
Figuring out where Tuli Tuipulotu fits on a defensive front will be the toughest part of his evaluation. Tuipulotu stands at 6’4″ and 290 pounds, rushing the majority of his snaps off the edge for USC last year.
In the long run, figuring out where he plays may prove trivial to his impact on the field. Tuipulotu is as strong as you’d expect and faster than you’d imagine.
Tyler Nubin, CB, Minnesota | Round 5, Pick 141
Starting the last three seasons for one of the top defensive back rooms in the country, Tyler Nubin has seen it all. Nubin has excelled in coverage when he’s been tasked with man schemes, while he’s also shown the ability to peel out of his zones and disrupt throwing lanes all the same.
In total, he’s recorded eight interceptions and another dozen forced incompletions over the past three years. That’s nearly as many catches as he’s allowed in his primary coverage in that same time span.
Brandon Kipper, OL, Oregon State | Round 6, Pick 189
Versatility and size are the name of the game for Brandon Kipper. The former Oregon State right tackle looked every bit the part of right guard in 2022 after switching positions. Kipper excelled on the ground, as he always had, moving incredibly well for such a big man.
At 6’6″, 327 pounds, Kipper would be one of the bigger guards in the NFL. But with his athleticism, he absolutely can make it work. In the worst-case scenario, he kicks back out to right tackle, and the Raiders have themselves a big man with an attitude on the right side.
Jalen Cropper, WR, Fresno State | Round 7, Pick 198
Raiders fans are likely familiar with the Northern Californian receiver. Jalen Cropper made a name for himself over the past few seasons at Fresno State. He has a fluid release at the line of scrimmage and some of the finest routes in the class.
His hands are solid, and he can run routes from any alignment. Cropper is a terrific complement to a No. 1 receiver as early as Week 1 of his rookie season.
Viliami Fehoko, EDGE, San Jose State | Round 7, Pick 209
With a fast get-off and terrific play strength, Viliami Fehoko should turn heads during the pre-draft process. As such, likely, Fehoko isn’t available here in Round 7 for the Raiders.
Since he was, it was a no-brainer for the Raiders to grab him here and pair him as a complementary pass rusher opposite Maxx Crosby as he hones his next-level game.