Patrick Graham Leads National Team to 27-10 Senior Bowl Win

Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham led the National Team to victory Saturday at this year's Reese's Senior Bowl.

Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham got his first taste at an NFL head coaching position on Saturday. It ended in his favor.

Graham led the National Team to a 27-10 victory against the American Team at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl.

National Team quarterback Jake Haener from Fresno State threw for 139 yards and a touchdown in the win. He took home the game's MVP award. Haener's mother, Julie, is a new television commentator for KTVU, Channel 2 in Oakland.

Haener's best receiver of the day was Michael Wilson of Stanford, who finished with 76 yards and a touchdown.

Graham said "the focus on the fundamentals" ultimately led to the win.

"I thought they kept the quarterback clean for the most part; we had a few miscues there," the coach said after the win. "I made a bad call on that fourth down, should've just punted to pin them down inside. But just real appreciative of all the players, both sides. And all the coaches, bringing this thing together and giving the fans something to watch. And just the guys, their effort the whole time. It was outstanding, it was outstanding."

Graham's experience at this year's Senior Bowl might have given him and the Raiders an advantage in getting a little more insight into the top prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Graham, however, was careful not to give away any information.

"It's a very competitive league, so whoever we like, we're not going to show our hand at all," he said.

The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The NFL Scouting Combine is Feb. 28-March 6, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. Starting at 12 p.m. EST on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EST on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m. EST on March 15.

The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EST on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.