Saturday, May 20, 2023

Las Vegas Raiders Post-Draft 2023 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-draft roundup for the Las Vegas Raiders in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

Most improved: Pass rush

Adding Tyree Wilson, who had seven sacks in each of his past two seasons at Texas Tech, to a pass rush that already boasts Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, who have a combined 72.5 sacks and four Pro Bowl appearances since 2019, is making a strength even stronger. At least, that's what the Raiders were banking on when they selected Wilson with the No. 7 pick of the draft. A more disruptive pass rush in a division that features star QBs in Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Russell Wilson is a must for Las Vegas.

NFL.com -- Rank: 22

The Vegas pass rush got a major boost with the Thursday night selection of Texas Tech edge Tyree Wilson seventh overall. Wilson, a tantalizing prospect, joins a Raiders front seven that features two-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby and veteran Chandler Jones (up to 112 sacks in his career). Wilson fills a definite need -- the Raiders finished in the bottom three in sacks a season ago. Elsewhere, Vegas found good value in the second round with Notre Dame star Michael Mayer, thought by many draft pundits to be the best tight end in this class. Mayer slots into the role vacated by Darren Waller, who was traded to the Giants at the start of the league year.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 25

Jimmy Garoppolo takes over as the quarterback for Derek Carr. They did have a good draft, but they are the third or fourth team in the division - and it's not close behind the top two teams.

USA Today -- Rank: 27

Seems like they won't have much of a shot week to week if they don't score at least 30 points.

The Athletic -- Rank: 22

Draft takeaway: For all the speculation they might be interested in drafting an early-round quarterback, the Raiders are all-in with Jimmy Garoppolo, at least until next offseason. Tyree Wilson at No. 7 was a pleasant surprise, as was second-round tight end Michael Mayer, who was considered a first-round talent.

Hype man: Josh McDaniels was always going to need at least two years to build his program in earnest. Now he's got his quarterback to bring his scheme to life and the best wide receiver in the division on his side.

Davante Downer: By "his quarterback," you mean Brian Hoyer, right? We both know Garoppolo ain't making it through a full year.

PFF -- Rank: 25

The Raiders gave newly signed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo a new weapon by drafting tight end Michael Mayer. The Notre Dame product was targeted more than any other tight end in the country in 2022 and earned an FBS-best 92.5 PFF grade in the process. Mayer also earned an 80.0-plus run-blocking grade and could be the rare tight end that contributes early in his NFL career after producing immediately in college, even if his ceiling may not be the highest.

Bennett was a much-needed addition to the Raiders' cornerback room. He allowed a completion on just 44.4% of targets into his coverage in 2022. Given the state of the Raiders' cornerback room prior to the draft, Bennett has a legitimate opportunity to compete for snaps on the outside right out of the gate. Up front, Tyree Wilson joins the tenacious Maxx Crosby and veteran Chandler Jones, who needs to bounce back in 2023.

PFT -- Rank: 19

Devon Witherspoon would have been the perfect draftee, due to the Raiders' major corner need in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert (and Russell Wilson if he can be revived), but pressure from Tyree Wilson would be vital for the pass defense as well.

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