With the 2023 NFL Draft just two days away, the final mock drafts of the season are being published by top analysts and media outlets all across the NFL. The Raiders hold the No. 7 overall pick in this year’s draft after a disappointing first season under head coach Josh McDaniels. With QB Jimmy Garoppolo under contract and a new era of Raiders football underway, here’s a look at what some draft prognosticators think of the Raiders 2023 draft plans.
Eric Edholm, NFL.com: QB C.J. Stroud (No. 3 overall)
In Eric Edholm’s latest mock draft, the Raiders are projected to trade up to the No. 3 overall pick to select Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud as the second quarterback off the board behind only Alabama’s Bryce Young at No. 1. A move of this magnitude would send shockwaves through Raider Nation and around the NFL. McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler may be eyeing the quarterback class, and securing a prospect of Stroud’s caliber would truly change the direction of the Raiders franchise.
Conor Orr, SI.com: CB Devon Witherspoon (No. 7 overall)
CB Devon Witherspoon would be the Raiders’ second stud cornerback out of Illinois, as they would line up their top draft pick in the defensive secondary alongside CB Nate Hobbs. Cornerback is a massive need for the Raiders, and the way that Orr and other mock drafts are currently projecting Thursday’s draft to fall, the Raiders could have their choice of a top corner at No. 7.
Bryant McFadden, CBSSports.com: CB Christian Gonzalez (No. 7 overall)
Gonzalez represents the other consensus top cornerback in the class. Between Witherspoon and Gonzalez, there is no clear-cut top choice among analysts. There is a scenario in which the Seattle Seahawks or Detroit Lions target a cornerback at picks No. 5 or 6, which could leave the Raiders with their second choice. In McFadden’s mock, however, both corners are available at pick No. 7, and the Raiders get their guy in Gonzalez.
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