4-Round Raiders Mock Draft: GM Dave Ziegler Gets His QB And Loads Up On “D”
NFL free agency has been an interesting one for the Las Vegas Raiders and general manager Dave Ziegler. Of course, Raider Nation likely has other synonyms in mind than the word “interesting” right about now. Regardless, if nothing else, this Raiders brass is doing things their way, whether fans agree with it or not. Ziegler signed a familiar face in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, but even so, there’s a strong chance that a signal-caller could be available in the first round. Does he pull the trigger? Well, let’s take a look at one of the several possible scenarios in our most recent mock draft.
Raiders Mock Draft: Dave Ziegler Gets His Guy In Round 1
- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Anthony Richardson made waves at the NFL Combine this year, helping to elevate his status into “Top 10” territory according to many. Joining Richardson in an intriguing quarterback class are Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Will Levis. We could certainly see a scenario in which all four are gone within the first 10 picks. If Young goes first overall, Stroud is picked by the Houston Texans, and Levis goes to Indianapolis, Richardson could be available at No. 7. Given their new head coach, the Arizona Cardinals are expected to go defense, and the Detroit Lions will continue to bolster their defense with Jalen Carter. Unless, of course, “Jimmy G” is the long-term solution.
Raiders Mock Draft: Dave Ziegler Foregoes O-Line; Gets A Pass-Rusher In Round 2
- Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas St.
Kolton Miller continues to be one of the more underrated left tackles in the NFL; he’s not going anywhere. Opposite of him, the Raiders have a fascinating situation. Jermaine Eluemunor and Brandon Parker will both be back, and Ziegler still has Thayer Munford quietly developing. It’s not far-fetched to think that maybe the offensive tackle isn’t much of a priority right now, at least not worthy of an early draft pick. Well, that works out because the defense needs playmakers all over the place. Felix Anudike-Uzomah is an explosive, athletic freak that would give the Raiders’ lackluster pass-rush a major boost. Possessing the best hands of any defensive lineman in this year’s class, Anudike-Uzomah could come in and wreak havoc from Day 1.
Raiders Mock Draft: Las Vegas Keeps Working On The Defensive Line In Round 3
- Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army & Moro Ojomo, IDL, Texas
Most Raiders fans are keen on what Ziegler said this offseason regarding the defensive line. He’s of the school of thought that, in order to have a successful defense, you build from within. Well, possessing a pair of picks in the third round, the Raiders go with Andre Carter and Moro Ojomo. Carter is a physical specimen (6’7″ and 260 pounds) who has some of the most notable physical characteristics you’ll find in this draft class. While he’s still raw, playing behind Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones affords him time to remedy some of those concerns. As for Ojomo, he could provide defensive coordinator Patrick Graham some help in terms of pass rushing from the interior. He retains the athletic profile you look for in an interior lineman; Ojomo has the twitchy first step that coaches covet, and he’ll hold his own at the line of scrimmage.
Raiders Mock Draft: Patrick Graham Gets Himself A Safety (Finally) In Round 4
- Jammie Robinson, DB, Florida St.
The safety position is another conundrum for the Raiders. Apparently, the coaching staff hasn’t given up on Trevon Moehrig yet, which is interesting considering his struggles last season. Duron Harmon played his heart out but he’s not a long-term solution. Maybe a tandem of Moehrig and Florida State’s Jammie Robinson would help. Robinson would be an absolute steal if he falls to the fourth round. Without question, he’s one of the most versatile defensive backs in this class, and last time we checked, the Raiders love versatility. Last year alone, Robinson played snaps all over the Seminoles’ defense. Whether it was in the box, at nickel, or at free safety, Robinson made his presence known. He comes into the NFL with solid Pro Football Focus coverage and run defense grades to his credit (78.0 and 80.1, respectively).
What are your thoughts, Raider Nation? Should Ziegler draft a quarterback in the first round?
