The Las Vegas Raiders had a few glaring needs on their roster heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. Lady Luck must have been on their side, as more than once the board fell in a way that was beneficial to them.
In Round 1, they addressed their need for a pass rusher by selecting Texas Tech EDGE, Tyree Wilson. Rumors were swirling that Wilson could go as high as No. 2 to the Houston Texans, but they used that pick on Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Arizona Cardinals traded back from No. 3 in a deal with the Texans, who used that pick on Will Anderson Jr.
When the Cardinals traded back up to the No. 6 spot with the Detroit Lions to select offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., it led to Wilson falling into the Raiders’ lap. But, he may not have even been the biggest steal for the franchise.
In Round 2, Las Vegas found yet another gem. They made a trade up the board with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire the 35th pick. After tight end Sam LaPorta was selected by the Detroit Lions at No. 34, the Raiders didn’t risk losing out on their guy.
With the 35th pick, they selected Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. It was incredible value for the team as Mayer was graded as a first-round pick and potentially the best tight end in this year’s draft class. It is part of the reason that Matt Miller of ESPN believes the Raiders had the best value pick in Round 2.
“Mayer was my top tight end in this class and the Raiders were able to trade up to select the Notre Dame pass-catcher early in Round 2. A legitimate top-20 prospect, Mayer will be a Day 1 starter in Las Vegas.”
After trading Darren Waller to the New York Giants and Foster Moreau left in free agency, there was a gaping hole at the tight end spot. O.J. Howard and Austin Hooper were signed in free agency, but they will not keep Mayer from seeing the field early and often in Las Vegas.
Mayer is a great fit for Josh McDaniels’ offense as a capable blocker and excellent pass catcher. He drew some Jason Witten comparisons during the pre-draft process and if he comes anywhere close to that level of consistent production, the Raiders may have gotten the steal of the entire draft.
