NFL MOCK Draft Monday 5.0: Raiders Four Rounds

In the fifth 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 around 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 fifth 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.

One executive told me on Sunday night: "I think the Raiders, and subsequently Dave Ziegler, understand exactly where they are.  You don't spend the money on Jimmy Garoppolo and pay a huge price to move up in the NFL Draft. You would have signed a much cheaper Jarrett Stidham."

He added: "I think they have their eye on one guy of that top four, and if he were to drop to fifth, yeah, they would make that move. I don't think it happens. I think ideally, you get one of the two that can't miss, or you trade down if you are Dave."

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.

We reported previously that Jalen Carter was plummeting down NFL Draft boards. As I stated before, the Raiders aren't going to take Carter at the seventh overall spot. Would they take him later?  Possibly, but they want as much interest in their pick, so others would trade for it to keep the smokescreen of interest in Carter and other quarterbacks they don't like billowing from the team headquarters. Ideally, the Raiders would prefer a haul of picks in exchange for that seventh overall.

In this MOCK draft, we presume the Raiders do not make a trade and keep their picks.

1st Round 7th Overall: Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech EDGE DE

Many people, including this reporter, feel that Wilson is one of two prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft that is a true can't-miss prospect. With the NFL being a quarterback league, the usual teams take risks on unproven players at that position, and Christmas comes early for the Raider Nation. Imagine Wilson, who should be picked no lower than second, and many feel first, as a bookend to Maxx Crosby?

Our friends at NFLDraftBible.com said of Wilson: "Texas Tech primarily lines Wilson up as a 5-tech, although it’s common to see him take snaps as a 4-tech and occasionally as a 4i. The redshirt senior’s production caught up to his physical talent this season. Wilson has elite arm length and a large wingspan. He carries his weight well enough to fill roles as a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level, with the ability to reduce inside occasionally. Wilson has an explosive first step and long strides to beat tackles around their outside shoulders or make plays as a backside run defender. He’s quick to use his length and engage blockers. Wilson repeatedly proved that he was an athletic mismatch against guards in college. The former Texas A&M transfer has the strength to play through contact in half-man and manipulate his blocker as he works down the line to the football as a run defender. His power shows up as a bull rusher when he converts speed to power. Wilson’s hands pack pop, and his leg drive consistently displaces linemen. He easily separates from blockers and redirects to the football because of his length. Wilson’s long limbs extend his tackle radius, and he shows effort in pursuit. He deployed a developing swim move in 2022 and showed an increased likelihood of attacking the tackle’s inside shoulder from a 5-tech alignment."

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 certain 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: Jack Campbell LB Iowa.

The Raiders are shocked to see the powerful day-one starter Jack Campbell still on the board, and they select him. Campbell has size, speed, and power with an even better ability: availability. Not only does he look like he is chiseled out of granite, but he also plays like it.

Campbell would start as an outside linebacker, eventually, down the road, take the middle, and never look back.  

Our friends at NFLDraftBible.com say: "Extended frame with stretched-out limbs. Turns this into an advantage, scoping out the offense and attacking accordingly. Expert tackler who employs precision striking and consistent fundamentals. Capable of dropping his weight and launching to win the leverage game vs. ball carriers. Hand usage and arm length permit him to navigate in traffic, remaining clean on his path to the running back. Sufficient lateral agility to side-step linemen and fill into his assigned gap. Beats the opposing guard or tackle to his spot repeatedly, using acceleration and a dip technique to stay untouched. Knows his angles, leading to minimal excess in terms of yardage. Not afraid to get dirty as needed, plunging into blockers on wide zone plays to let defenders behind him fill. Useful blitzer who uses downhill explosion to disrupt the quarterback's timing or pop in his pads to displace linemen. Impressive fluidity for his size, showing loose hips that empower him to drop into coverage. Range and instincts are most apparent here, where he surveys passing lanes and covers multiple reads at a time. Will cover backs and tight ends in man coverage, welcoming the responsibility. Very cerebral player who will align his defensive front and linebackers. Shows understanding of formations and tendencies, repeatedly sliding his D-line to correctly counter the offense."

One NFL Executive told me: "The Raiders have spent much time evaluating that young man. He is an immediate starter, and Pat (Patrick Graham) will do wonders with him. He plays in a pro-style D at Iowa and is a thumper, and that guy would rather kill you than tackle you. He plays angry and pissed off, which is funny when you meet him. A very warm young man. I could see that kid playing with Ten Hendricks, Lyle Alzado, Maxx Crosby and fitting right in."

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 Jimy 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.

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 in the free-agent market this offseason.

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