Believe it or not, draft season is almost here. With just four games to go in the 2022 season, the Raiders can soon start to look ahead to April and potential prospects that could make sense.
ESPN’s Todd McShay released his first mock draft of the year on Tuesday and he had the Raiders selecting at pick No. 8. So who did they select with their top pick? Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson. Here is what McShay had to say about that pick:
“I thought a little about quarterback — Derek Carr isn’t due any guaranteed money after this season — and offensive tackle, but only four teams have fewer sacks over the past two seasons than the Raiders (60).
Chandler Jones and Clelin Ferrell have both been disappointing, and Ferrell is a free agent after this year. I just moved Wilson up to fourth in my rankings, and teaming him up with Maxx Crosby and Jones would spark this juiceless pass rush.”
It’s never a bad idea to continue to invest in the defensive line, especially in the division that the Raiders play in. Crosby has been a one-man wrecking unit this season, but Jones hasn’t quite lived up to his contract.
While the Raiders have other needs on defense, Wilson is one of the best players in this class. He’ll be an interesting name to keep an eye on during the draft process as he’s got all the traits and skills to be an elite pass rusher at the next level.
