NFL MOCK Draft Monday 6.0: Raiders Curve Ball

In the sixth of many NFL MOCK drafts that we will provide, we look at what could be a viable first, second, third and fourth-round draft scenario.

HENDERSON, Nev.—As the NFL Draft quickly approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders have many needs.

After spending significant time with Coach Josh McDaniels and General Manager Dave Ziegler at the NFL Combine, and subsequently speaking to multiple NFL coaches, executives and players, we offer you our sixth NFL MOCK Draft Monday based on players we know that the Raiders have significant interest in and scenarios we have had presented to us by people within the confines of the National Football League.

Four quarterbacks are universally accepted as the top-four in this draft—though all but one NFL Executive or Scout I spoke to have questions about all four.

This "curve ball" article examines some interesting things that could happen on NFL Draft night. I have repeatedly reported that two players in this draft are universally considered "dudes." That term in the NFL is a guy you know you can't miss.

I had one NFL general manager define a dude as this: "Most drafts have one or two dudes, some less, a few more. Those are guys that you know are plug-and-play. They are as close to a can't-miss as you can get. You see nearly all the same teams year after year at the top that they don't know how to draft. When you are in the top-third of the first-round in the NFL Draft, you can't miss."

I have previously reported that there is one quarterback in this NFL Draft that the Raiders favor over all others at the top. Should he fall, the Raiders would pounce, but all expectations are that he won't be there.

In this MOCK draft, we presume the Raiders do not make a trade and will keep their picks. Also, in this scenario, the quarterback they favor is off the board.

1st Round 7th Overall: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

In our previous MOCK Drafts, Gonzalez was not expected to be available. As of this moment, I don't think he will be, but this is our "curve ball" MOCK.

The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and with four QBs taken ahead of Gonzalez and two defensive linemen gone, the Raiders get a break and get a true shut-down corner, an elite talent who, while not a certain "dude" is as close to one as you can get.

Our friends at NFLDraftBible.com say: "Terrific length and subtle weight who doesn't burden his athleticism. Tons of press-bail alignments, typically to the boundary. He has blitzed from the field and has an impact on the pass. Plays the ball in the air for back-shoulder pass breakups—smooth transitioner. Everything is easy and fluid, from pedal to crossover run or hip flip to sprint. He can recover when stumbling and squeezing receivers to the pilon while playing in their hip pocket. He can reset over the middle of the field, easily mirroring the target while perfectly timing up his hand usage to deter the pass. He has carried vertical patterns in true cover three, playing outside in and negating what would be an open-seam throw. He plays the run well but can sometimes be late to trigger or run himself out of the play. Can be out-manned at the catch point. He could struggle against large possession receivers. Would like to see him add physicality when playing the ball. Gonzalez is a true number one corner who can mirror and match with an easy fluidity and subtle movement patterns."

2nd Round 38th Overall: Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State

NFL MOCK Drafts have Mauch as a first-round pick, and rightfully so. One executive for an NFL playoff team told me: "One thing that a lot of teams do is overthink after the combine, and they talk themselves out of guys for the dumbest reasons. In Mauch's case, many have questioned not his talent or character, but the level of competition. We love him, but we are set on the OL."

He added: "This kid is a first-round type guy, but the Raiders could steal him here and if that happens, you will look back in five years and call him the steal of the draft. Is this probably? Not really, but certainly possible and not way out there."

Mauch is the type of player who the Raiders covet. One general manager told me: "There is no wondering why the Raiders love him. He is a Maxx Crosby on the offensive line. He has the tools to play right tackle but could slide inside and be a decade-long Raiders. Everything about that kid is Raiders."

Mauch would be a starter in game one for the Raiders in 2023 and has a high ceiling of being an elite long-term offensive lineman.

Our friends at NFLDraftBible.com describe him as: "Mauch is an excellent athlete who possesses ideal lateral and vertical agility to mirror defenders in pass protection or climb to the second level and pick off linebackers in the run game. He quickly climbs to the second level and is always looking for work. Mauch has the grip strength to latch and sustain blocks against linemen, and these skills help him overwhelm defensive backs and linebackers. He frequently finishes opponents to the ground. Mauch's speed and athletic ability quickly eat up space as he closes to targets in the open field. While he showcases a good understanding of blocking angles and rushing lanes, Mauch sometimes overruns angles on his way to second-level players. He doesn't always have the ability to throttle down and get back in front of his man in these situations and resorts to lunging. Mauch consistently generates good push in the running game and has the strength to cave in and wash down the defensive line or seal edge rushers. He's explosive out of his stance and flashes plenty of pop and violence in his hands. In pass protection, Mauch diagnoses and passes off stunts. He displays effective and independent hand usage. Mauch's anchor is strong enough to absorb and deaden power rushes. He often prevents access to inside rush lanes."

One NFL Executive told me: "You can see some weaknesses that we think are more about coaching, and he has the willingness to be great. No issues that coaching can't fix, and not concerns he can't take coaching."

3rd Round 70th Overall:  Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

This is a surprise for the Raiders. They like Jones, and many MOCK drafts have him being selected much higher.  But there are concerns in the NFL that quietly many believe have him dropping into the late-second or early third-round range as it pertains to weight.

At this spot, Jones is a steal.  Weight concerns have him dropping, but his productivity warrants a first-round pick.

Our friends at NFLDraftBible.com say of Jones: "Size is astounding, length and mass that is visible from the nosebleeds. Naturally wide base that remains consistent throughout his pass set. Hand fighting is non-negotiable. His innate length prohibits pass rushers from reaching his chest. Heavy hands that disrupt defenders trying to work a move. Plays long through the point of attack, as expected with his frame. Impressive anchor that is seldom threatened. Remarkable adjustments to counter moves, swiping away incoming technique. Synced with his linemen, understands where and when to slide, and diagnoses stunts and blitzes. Stout in the running game. Brings intensity to every call and works skillfully in both gap and zone calls."

3rd Round 100th Overall: Henry To'oTo'o, WILL LB, Alabama

A tackling machine and able to adjust, this youngster drops down to the Raiders, and yet again, Dave Ziegler's patience pays off in letting the draft come to him. To'oTo'o is a gentleman who will immediately play on all special teams, and I would expect him to play significant reps competing for a starting job by mid-2023 and owning it by the start of 2024.

Our friends at NFLDraftBible.com say: "Athletic linebacker who can come downhill in a hurry and limit rushing yardage. To’o To’o has quick hands to stay clean when flowing to the sideline, taking advantage of his speed to make plays. His closing speed is very good. Linemen have a tough time locating and blocking him at the second level as he slips past blocks. In coverage, To’o To’o displays his speed, carrying slots and tight ends up the seam. He is physical, possessing the ability to shock blockers. Smart linebacker who communicates pre-snap to get his defense lined up."

4th Round 109th Overall: Tanner McKee, Quarterback, Stanford

Josh McDaniels would get a pure pocket presence as he loved in Mac Jones. McKee could sit behind Jimmy Garoppolo and take tutelage from a veteran who isn't against grooming his successor.

McDaniels would get a player fitting his system while gambling on Jimmy Garoppolo staying healthy. McKee would benefit from the tutelage of Jimmy G, and the Raiders potentially could have a long-term viable player. McKee has the skills.

Per our friends at NFLDraftBible.com: "On film, McKee displays many of the skills necessary to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. His arm strength stood out. He can effortlessly throw the ball downfield without it fluttering or losing velocity. He can lead receivers and hit them in stride, even when he is under pressure. McKee’s velocity is some of the best in the class, as he can drive the ball in between defenders and thread the needle. His accuracy was also excellent. McKee does a great job of placing the ball where it needs to be at all levels of the field. He can throw his receiver open and find ways to put the ball where only his target can get it. This is an advanced skill that many quarterbacks struggle with at the college level. McKee understood his receiver's capabilities, so he knew when to throw a back shoulder pass, hit his receiver in stride, or place the ball up high."

In the above scenario, I see all five players starting in 2023, with McKee getting a starting chance should Garoppolo go down and Jones stepping in when an injury takes someone down.

Revisit our 2023 NFL MOCK Draft 1.0 when you click right here.

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The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period began at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15.

The Raiders are expected to be significant players and active in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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