The first day of free agency has come and gone with the Raiders making a few big moves. They’ve signed QB Jimmy Garoppolo and have added defensive backs Marcus Epps and Brandon Facyson.
So how does that change what the Raiders might do in Round 1? Here is a full 7-round mock draft after Day 1 of free agency.
Round 1: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Assuming the top four quarterbacks are gone in the first five selections, the Raiders pivot to the best cornerback in the class. Gonzalez has the size and athleticism to be a superstar in the NFL and would pair nicely with Nate Hobbs.
Gonzalez ran a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and is one of the most athletic defenders in the class. He has superstar written all over him.
Round 2: OG Steve Avila, TCU
Avila has started at four different spots during his college career, but his best play has come at guard and center. He gives the Raiders another versatile offensive lineman who has the power and size to move defenders off the ball.
Avila did not allow a single sack during the 2022 season and was fantastic in the College Football Championship against Jalen Carter. He would instantly improve the offensive line for the Raiders, no matter where he lined up.
Round 3: QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
The Raiders are going to take a quarterback in this class and why not gamble on someone like Hooker? If it weren’t for a torn ACL, Hooker would have had a chance to be a first-round pick. Instead, he falls to the third round and would be a fantastic fit behind Jimmy Garoppolo.
It’s worth mentioning that Hooker finished second in EPA per play and was one of the highest-graded passers in the nation. There are a lot of tools worth developing despite picking him in Round 3.
Round 4: WR Michael Wilson, Stanford
Wilson is a big, physical receiver who has had some problems staying healthy. But he could replace Mack Hollins as the No. 4 receiver on the team and has a bunch of experience on special teams.
Round 5: LB Dorian Williams, Tulane
Williams is a speedy linebacker that would give the Raiders more athleticism on their defense.
Round 5: DT Moro Ojomo, Texas
Ojomo is an undersized defensive tackle who knows how to get to the quarterback. In the fifth round, it’s worth gambling on his athletic traits.
Round 5: TE Will Mallory, Miami (FL)
With the Raiders likely to lose Foster Moreau in free agency, Mallory could step right in and fill the No. 2 TE role.
Round 6: CB Rejzohn Wright, Oregon State
Wright is a long, athletic cornerback with a lot of developmental traits.
Round 6: OT Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion
The Raiders need more depth at offensive tackle and Saldiveri gives them that with his experience and versatility.
Round 7: SS Kaevon Merriweather, Iowa
Merriweather is a hard-hitting safety who could immediately contribute on special teams.
Round 7: EDGE Nick Hampton, Appalachian State
Hampton is a small-school EDGE rusher that could find a spot on the bottom of the roster as a DE5.
