Yes, it’s draft week. To celebrate we’re offering a full seven-round Las Vegas Raiders mock draft. This one has no trades. I will have two other Raiders’ mock this week, one that offers a trade first-round trade up and another with a second-round trade down. Both of these mocks may have additional trades, both up and down. Full disclosure: Some players may appear on multiple mocks as we try to exercise our way up to draft day Thursday:
No. 1: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
No reason to get silly here. Mendoza is the pick. Now, let’s see if he can be a franchise-altering choice.
No. 36: San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson
Johnson is a major riser and if he is there at No. 36, he needs to be a pick. He would be a great value pick and Las Vegas could use him.
No. 67: Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton
Halton is a good fit for the Raiders’ defense and he fills a need. A solid choice.
102: Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson
The Raiders went to work at linebacker in free agency, but they need to add more in the draft. Lawson is a player who has a chance to develop into a starter.
117: Oregon offensive tackle Isaiah World
He’s a great value as the Raiders load up at the offensive tackle position with a value pick.
134: Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields
The defensive run is over and the Raiders get a receiver they can develop.
175: Kansas State safety VJ Payne
The Raiders could go for a safety early, but Payne is a nice value here and a player who could develop into a starter.
185: Western Michigan edge Nadame Tucker
A third-day pass-rusher from a small school in Michigan? Who says no?
211: Clemson running back Adam Randall:
A new backup for Ashton Jeanty. They can grow together.
219. Ole Miss safety Wydett Williams
More safety depth to round out the draft class.
This is a defense-heavy draft and it wasn’t on purpose. That’s just where the value was. I wouldn’t mind getting a receiver and safety earlier. But, at the end of the day, it’s a solid group.
Your thoughts on this class?
