With the Raiders benching Derek Carr for the final two games, it seems pretty unlikely that they will be able to win another game. And with a record of 6-11, that will mean the Raiders will earn a top-10 pick in next year’s draft.
But who might the team draft in Round 1? And what position makes the most sense for them?
In a recent mock draft by Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, he had the Raiders picking at No. 9 in the 2023 NFL Draft. With that selection, the Raiders went with Tyree Wilson, a defensive end from Texas Tech. Here is what Sikkema had to say about the fit:
“The Raiders are a complete mess, and this pick could go in so many different directions. If they move on from Derek Carr, they’ll be in the quarterback market. But what we know for sure is they need defensive line help.
Wilson’s game may be inconsistent, but the 6-foot-6, 275-pound edge player brings a rare combination of size (7-foot wingspan), flexibility and explosiveness to the table.”
There is no doubt that the Raiders have to get bigger and more athletic on the defensive line. Maxx Crosby is the only one who can consistently make plays and he needs help. Wilson would be a perfect fit opposite of him as he can play the run and get to the quarterback.
But can the Raiders afford to spend more assets on their defensive line when they need help at so many other positions? Or, will they simply just take the best player available? That remains to be seen, but keep an eye on Wilson as a potential target for the Raiders.
