Raiders Insider Podcast: Breaking Down Our MOCK Draft

HENDERSON, Nev.--Las Vegas Raiders General Manager Dave Ziegler and Coach Josh McDaniels have a plan. While few may be privy to the plan, it is quickly unfolding.

The Raiders will certainly be making more moves before the NFL Draft and many more after it.

In this week's episode, we break down the state of the Raiders and dissect my latest NFL MOCK Draft 5.0 based on what I hear from around the NFL, with Matt Hlakdik from TheSpun.com.

In case you missed it, here is the NFL MOCIK Draft 5.0:

1st Round 7th Overall: Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech EDGE DE

Many people, including this reporter, feel that Wilson is one of two prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft who is a true can't-miss prospect. With the NFL being a quarterback league, the usual teams take risks on unproven players at that position, and Christmas comes early for the Raider Nation. Imagine Wilson, who should be picked no lower than second, and many feel first, as a bookend to Maxx Crosby?

2nd Round 38th Overall: Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State

NFL MOCK Drafts have Mauch as a first-round pick, and rightfully so. One executive for an NFL playoff team told me: "One thing that a lot of teams do is overthink after the combine, and they talk themselves out of guys for the dumbest reasons. In Mauch's case, many have questioned not his talent or character, but the level of competition. We love him, but we are set on the OL."

He added: "This kid is a first-round type guy, but the Raiders could steal him here and if that happens, you will look back in five years and call him the steal of the draft. Is this probably? Not really, but certain possible and not way out there."

Mauch is the type of player who the Raiders covet. One general manager told me: "There is no wondering why the Raiders love him. He is a Maxx Crosby on the offensive line. He has the tools to play RT but could slide inside and be a decade-long Raiders. Everything about that kid is Raiders."

Mauch would be a starter in game one for the Raiders in 2023 and has a high ceiling of being an elite long-term offensive lineman.

One NFL Executive told me: "You can see some weaknesses that we think are more about coaching, and he has the willingness to be great. No issues that coaching can't fix, and not concerns he can't take coaching."

3rd Round 100th Overall: Jack Campbell LB Iowa

The Raiders are shocked to see the powerful day-one starter Jack Campbell still on the board, and they select him. Campbell has size, speed, and power with an even better ability: availability. Not only does he look like he is chiseled out of granite, but he also plays like it.

Campbell would start as an outside linebacker, eventually, down the road, take the middle and never look back.

One NFL Executive told me: "The Raiders have spent much time evaluating that young man. He is an immediate starter, and Pat (Patrick Graham) will do wonders with him. He plays in a pro-style D at Iowa and is a thumper, and that guy would rather kill you than tackle you. He plays angry and pissed off, which is funny when you meet him. A very warm young man. I could see that kid playing with Ted Hendricks, Lyle Alzado, Maxx Crosby and fitting right in."

3rd Round 100th Overall: Henry To'oTo'o, WILL LB, Alabama

A tackling machine and able to adjust, this youngster drops down to the Raiders, and yet again, Dave Ziegler's patience pays off in letting the draft come to him. To'oTo'o is a gentleman who will immediately play on all special teams, and I would expect him to play significant reps competing for a starting job by mid-2023 and owning it by the start of 2024.

4th Round 109th Overall: Tanner McKee, Quarterback, Stanford

Josh McDaniels would get a pure pocket presence as he loved in Mac Jones. McKee could sit behind Jimmy Garoppolo and take tutelage from a veteran who isn't against grooming his successor.

McDaniels would get a player fitting his system while gambling on Jimy Garoppolo staying healthy. McKee would benefit from the tutelage of Jimmy G, and the Raiders potentially could have a long-term viable player. McKee has the skills.

In the above scenario, I see all five players starting in 2023, with McKee getting a starting chance should Garoppolo go down.

Revisit our 2023 NFL MOCK Draft 1.0 when you click right here.

Revisit our 2023 NFL MOCK Draft 2.0 when you click right here.

Revisit our 2023 NFL MOCK Draft 3.0 when you click right here.

Revisit our 2023 NFL MOCK Draft 4.0 when you click right here.

Revisit our 2023 NFL MOCK Draft 5.0 when you click right here.

The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period began at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15.

The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this offseason.

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