Perfect Raiders 2022 NFL Draft plan: Invest in the trenches and find an alpha wide receiver

The Las Vegas Raiders have cobbled together a leadership group consisting of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler to usher the franchise into what they hope is a prosperous era.

Derek Carr is entering the final year of his contract, so the Raiders theoretically have a quarterback this season unless McDaniels has a different vision. Coming off a 10-7 season overshadowed by heartbreak and controversy, Las Vegas finds itself with roughly $21.4 million in salary cap space, according to Spotrac.com, which is middle of the road.

There are not any obvious cost-cutting measures to take and losing any of the impending free agents (quarterback Marcus Mariota, wide receivers Zay Jones and DeSean Jackson, offensive linemen Richie Incognito and Brandon Parker, cornerback Casey Hayward Jr., and defensive linemen Johnathan Hankins, Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas) would not set the team back. Kolton Miller and Maxx Crosby were the only offensive and defensive linemen, respectively, who played well in 2021. Both units could benefit from a total overhaul but that is not feasible in one offseason with the assets at their disposal. It would not come as a surprise to see them retain either Jefferson or Thomas to avoid total desperation. Hayward played well and should be retained for depth, if nothing else.

Beyond the offensive and defensive line, the team has needs at wide receiver, cornerback and linebacker. Cap constraints and a healthy bidding market could prevent the Raiders from being successful in pursuit of a top-tier wide receiver and the defensive market is not awe-inspiring. 

Round 1 (No. 22 overall): Travon Walker, DT, Georgia

The Georgia defensive linemen were ministers of chaos. The Bulldogs would throw stunts at opponents and watch them scramble in confusion. Walker was a very active, productive player who can develop his own identity at the next level. A bit of a tweener traditionally, Walker can be a flex defender who is able to line up on the edge opposite Crosby in addition to his role pressing the pocket as an interior defender. Defensive tackle is another position where Zeigler could stand to add multiple pieces to that front for depth purposes.

Round 2: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

The biggest concern with Ross is the injury history. He was diagnosed with a congenital fusion of the spine in 2020 and then missed the final two regular-season games recovering from foot surgery in 2021. Dating to his time as a freshman, Ross was making big-time plays for the Tigers in pivotal moments, such as 301 yards and three touchdowns in two College Football Playoff games. 

When healthy, he has amassed at least 45 receptions in each of his three campaigns. 

Las Vegas has found consistent producers in tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. Jackson and Jones are both free agents, so there is a need for not only a true No. 1 wide receiver but also depth at the position. It would not be a surprise to see them take a few players at the position. 

Round 3: Cade Mays, OG, Tennessee

After moving on from Trent Brown, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson, the offensive line was predictably bad. The team drafted Alex Leatherwood in the first round but then moved him inside, which looked to be a better fit for him. His play was still underwhelming. They have tried to move players around to fill needs but it has not worked out. Rather than drafting a player without a clear idea of which role he will fill, the Raiders should bring in players with extensive experience playing the position they will be playing as a professional.

Mays, a Georgia transfer, is a mauler in the ground game and would be a key addition to a ground controlled style of play with McDaniels. New England has valued physical players along the offensive line that dictate how the game will be played and the Tennessee product falls into that camp. 

Round 4: Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor

Round 5: Spencer Burford, OT, Texas-San Antonio and Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana

Round 7: Charleston Rambo, WR, Miami