NFL Analysis Network

Two Prospects Are Top Options For Raiders At No. 7 In 2023 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders were one of the teams that many people thought would be in the market for a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. Slated to pick No. 7, it is certainly possible that they would pull the trigger should the right signal caller be on the board. Alas, all signs are pointing to that not being the case.

Unless Las Vegas makes a trade up the board, likely with the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3, it is highly unlikely they will be in a position to select a quarterback. But, they should still have the opportunity to fill one of the holes on their roster with that pick.

One of the holes that exist is at the cornerback spot. Rock Ya-Sin played well for the Raiders last season but he remains a free agent. The team could certainly use a long-term building block for their secondary, and luckily for them, there should be a few available when they come on the clock.

The first player is Devon Witherspoon out of Illinois. He possesses the physicality to succeed as a boundary cornerback in a man-heavy scheme. His ball skills are excellent and he isn’t afraid to mix things up in the run game with his excellent tackling ability.

Witherspoon also has experience playing on special teams. While some franchises may not want their prized first-round pick playing on that unit, knowing that he has experience doing it and could help out in a pinch only enhances his value.

The only real question with Witherspoon is if teams will allow him to play on the perimeter. His frame could limit him in the eyes of some to playing only in the slot. But, he possesses the intangibles to be a winning player.

Another cornerback to keep an eye out for is Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez spent his final season at Oregon after beginning his collegiate career at Colorado. He was a three-year starter and possesses the size, length and athleticism teams want to see in a boundary corner.

Gonzalez does not shy away from contact and is a good tackler, so he will help in run support when needed. He will need to add some strength to stick with the more physical wide receivers in the NFL, but all of the tools are there for him to be a multi-year starter in the league.

The improvement that he has experienced in his ball skills will also help. Racking up interceptions and passes defended will make his stat line look better, which could lead to some accolades early on in his career.

Both Witherspoon and Gonzalez would be major additions to the Raiders defensive backfield. Using the No. 7 overall pick on either player would be a good route for the franchise to take.

Share on Facebook
Share On Twitter

Chiefs’ Andy Reid Gives Update On Chris Jones Contract Talks

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones is slated to hit free agency next week, and head coach Andy Reid provided an update on where

Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones Posts Cryptic Pre-Free Agency Tweet

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones is slated to hit free agency next week, and given how big of a contract he is going

Denver Broncos Could Focus On Defense In 2024 NFL Draft

This offseason has already been an eventful one for the Denver Broncos. The Russell Wilson news has dominated headlines as they are moving on from