The Las Vegas Raiders have an important decision to make in the 2023 NFL Draft as they own the No. 7 overall selection.
After a dismal 2022 season, the Raiders have a shot to reinject the roster with top-end talent so making the right choice is of the utmost importance. Las Vegas’ track record in the first round of drafts is less than encouraging though the hope is a new regime spearheaded by Dave Ziegler can right the ship.
Much of the talk ahead of the draft has been about the top quarterback prospects, namely Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. Hendon Hooker has also started to gain steam in NFL circles, though he is much more likely to be taken well outside of the top 10.
Although the Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal in free agency, they are still doing their due diligence as they’ve reportedly set up a visit with Young via Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofolo of NFL Network:
The #Raiders are hosting #Bama QB Bryce Young on a Top 30 visit that begins on Thursday, per me and @MikeGarafolo. Las Vegas picks No. 7.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 5, 2023
Most draft experts have Young going No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers, but if they pass on him then evaluators have a hard time seeing the former Alabama signal caller slipping past the Houston Texans at No. 2. Both teams are in clear rebuilds and are in search of their quarterback of the future, so if Las Vegas is serious about Young then they would need to put together a monster offer on draft day.
Perhaps the organization is seriously considering drafting Garoppolo’s successor this year as they’ve also set up visits with the other top quarterback prospects. While there isn’t a no-brainer pick at the position as there has been in recent years, the group is still talented and projects favorably.
While fans might get excited about the prospect of seeing Young donning the Silver and Black, Top 30 visits are generally considered meet-and-greets where both parties can get to know each a little better. In all likelihood, the Raiders are just doing their homework on Young should he somehow slip all the way to them in the draft.
Outside of quarterback, Las Vegas could go in several different directions as they’ve got plenty of needs. Offensive line, edge rusher and cornerback are positions the Raiders could bolster so it’ll be interesting to see who they take when Day 1 of the draft arrives.
