Amid a 3-5 start the Las Vegas Raiders decided to clean house. They fired general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels just after the NFL trade deadline. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo was also benched for rookie Aidan O'Connell. Antonio Pierce was named interim head coach.
He has since embraced Raiders culture. In his first game, the Raiders would win 30-6 against the New York Giants. They are now 5-6 and face many questions for their future about an impending rebuild.
For this mock draft, we will use the Pro Football Network's mock draft simulator. There will be no trades in this simulation.
First round: Emeka Egbuka, WR
With the fourteenth overall pick, the Raiders select Emeka Egbuka out of Ohio State. Being in the same recruiting class as fellow receiver and likely top-three pick Marvin Harrison Jr. Egbuka's career has mostly been overshadowed by Harrison's generational talent. Egbuka has still been productive in his own right. The receiver is no slouch; playing top competition in the Big Ten conference and against Georgia in the College Football Playoff, putting up 112 yards and a touchdown.
2022 was by far, Egbuka's most productive year. He posted 1,151 yards with 14 total touchdowns. The 6-1 206-pound receiver is praised for his athleticism; speed and smoothness while running routes and his usefulness in throwing blocks downfield. He is productive in both the slot and on the outside. Egbuka has dealt with a lower leg contusion, suffered in a game against Maryland, but is expected to make a full recovery with the draft approaching.
He would immediately play in a revamped offense opposite Davante Adams and be a top quarterback for a new signal-caller. Egbuka would ass big play ability and consistency for an offense trying to improve on all fronts.
Second round: Jayden Daniels, QB
In the second round, the Raiders select Jayden Daniels. The quarterback out of LSU signifies the ushering in of a new era in Las Vegas. The LSU quarterback is by far having the best season of his college career, being in strong contention for the Heisman Trophy.
Daniels has passed for 3,577 yards while throwing 36 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He has also added 1,014 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He has posted an incredible passing season, while also adding a very respectable season for a running back. On the field, Daniels has shown his big play ability with speed, size, and a rocket arm.
Daniels would slide into a Raiders offense and add a new dimension to defend against for NFL defense: the threat to run. Daniels can be similar to what Lamar Jackson for the Ravens or Jalen Hurts for the Eagles.
In the third round, the Raiders select defensive back Kris Abrams-Drain. The corner has been Missouri's best through the season for a team that is surprisingly number ten in the country. In his three years at Missouri, Abrams-Draine has had consistent stats each season.
Abrams-Draine has posted 131 total tackles and seven interceptions in his college career. He has shown his ability to play man coverage and stick with his receiver utilizing speed, quickness, and length from a 5-11 178-pound frame. For the Raiders, Abrams-Draine would join a group with Jakorian Bennet, Nate Hobbs, and Marcus Peters.
He would most likely replace Peters as he continues to age and lose his step. Abrams-Draine would definitely improve the secondary allowing 210 passing yards a game.
Fourth round: Tate Ratledge, guard
In the fourth round, the Raiders select offensive lineman Tate Ratledge out of Georgia. The offensive guard has given up no sacks this year for the number-one-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Unfortunately, Ratledge suffered a knee injury in the first quarter against Tennessee. No damage was revealed in the X-ray and is expected to make a quick recovery.
Ratledge would immediately step in at the guard position for the Raiders; which is currently occupied by Dylan Parham and Greg Van Roten. The Raiders have given up 27 sacks, helping the offense to several lackluster offensive performances.
Ratledge would help block interior defenders with his massive 6-6, 310-pound body and clear defenders for Josh Jacobs or a new running back. The big linemen is strong and physical and best in the running game.
At pick 142, the Raiders select tackle Blake Fisher. Fisher currently plays opposite of future top pick Joe Alt at Notre Dame. Fisher started his career as a left tackle but transitioned to the right side after a knee injury sidelined him in 2021.
For the Raiders, Fisher could start opposite blind side protector Kolton Miller or strongly compete with starter Thayer Munford. Similar, to Ratledge he is 6-6 and 312-pounds. He has a very good build for a professional tackle with experts raving about his strength.
Sixth round: Emani Bailey, RB
In the sixth round, the Raiders select Emani Bailey. The TCU running back found a home with the Horned Frogs after beginning his career for UL Monroe. The 5-9 207-pound running back finally got his chance after Kendre Miller was drafted and did not disappoint.
The Junior put up 1,059 yards and 7 touchdowns for the Horned Frogs, showing what he can do given the chance. It will be certainly interesting to see what the Raiders will do with Josh Jacobs this offseason, whether they sign him to a massive extension or move on, we shall see. The Raiders may have butchered their chance with Jacobs when they franchise tagged him instead of working out an extension.
Similar to Jacobs, Bailey shows impressive balance and burst running in between the holes.
With their first seventh-round pick, the Raiders select defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse. Stackhouse is a two-time national champion at Georgia hasn't been that productive in his four-year career but has potential.
The senior has played with interior linemen including Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter who were incredibly successful at Georgia. He is a massive 6-3 310-pound and is able to clog up the interior so that his linebackers can make plays.
Stackhouse will have the opportunity to compete with Jerry Tillery and Bilal Nichols.
With their final pick, the Raiders select Jay Stanley. Stanley is a little-known player coming from Southern Miss. However, the safety has been highly productive in his five-year collegiate career starting at Ole Miss and then transferring to Southern Miss.
He has totaled 198 tackles, seven forced fumbles, and 10 interceptions in his career. He will have the opportunity to compete with Marcus Epps and Tre'von Moehrig, as well as versatile safety Isaiah Pola-Mao.
