Las Vegas Raiders 2023 NFL Draft big board 3.0: Top 50 prospects for Rounds 1-3

The Raiders own the No. 7 pick when the NFL Draft begins April 27, but there’s no guarantee they stay there. It’s certainly a possibility, but so is trading up or trading down. Naturally, the decision they make will strongly influence the amount of draft capital they have to work with going into Day 2 and Day 3. As it stands, the Raiders own 12 picks.

Raiders’ draft picks

Our first two Raiders’ draft big boards focused on prospects expected to be selected by the end of the first two rounds. This one, however, will be expanded to include players who’ve been projected to come off the board through the first three rounds.

1. Will Anderson Jr., edge, Alabama

Anderson has gotten lost in the mix a bit with all the conversation on quarterbacks, but he’s the best player in the draft. The 6-foot-3, 253-pound athletic marvel had 51 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season, and that was considered a disappointing showing for him. Edge rusher isn’t a position of need with Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, but general manager Dave Ziegler has made it clear that he prefers a best-player-available approach to drafting. If the Raiders were able to swing a trade-up to pick No. 3 — or maybe No. 4 or No. 5 if a quarterback-needy team swings a deal with the Cardinals — Anderson would likely be the player who fits that billing.

2. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Young’s size has to be considered — he’s 5-10 and likely weighs less than the 204-pound mark he recorded at the combine — but he remains the top quarterback in the class. He has superstar-tier playmaking ability, maintains his composure in high-leverage moments and has a good enough arm to make all the prerequisite throws. He’s not an elite athlete but has enough speed and wiggle to buy extra time and pick up some yards with his legs. If they’re able to trade up near the top of the draft and Young is still available, the Raiders would be foolish to let having Jimmy Garoppolo on the roster stop them from drafting him.

3. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

There’s been a lot of discussion about Stroud’s mobility — or lack thereof — but that’s missing what makes him such a strong prospect: pinpoint accuracy, incredible ball placement and excellent decision-making. He’s shown the ability to put up huge numbers through the air while also remaining efficient and avoiding mistakes. He has a higher ceiling than he gets credit for and he’s arguably the safest quarterback prospect in the class. The Raiders would have to trade up to get him, too, and it’s worth exploring.

4. Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

Even if he’s still on the board, the Raiders probably won’t be able to draft Carter. They hosted him on a visit to Las Vegas last week though, so they haven’t completely ruled it out. It would understandably be tough to pass on a player of his caliber. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he has exceptional traits and is an absolute game-wrecker on the interior of the defensive line. He’s exactly what the Raiders need on defense; it just comes down to whether they feel comfortable with the risk given his off-the-field issues.

5. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Richardson is inexperienced, hasn’t displayed consistent accuracy and probably needs a year to sit and watch, but he’s arguably the most physically talented quarterback prospect ever. The only real comparison for his blend of arm talent, athleticism, strength, size and speed is former NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton. He’s also shown he has the smarts, awareness and processing ability necessary to excel at core fundamentals of playing the position such as reading defenses, making checks at the line of scrimmage, handling complex passing and rushing concepts and navigating traffic in the pocket. Especially with Garoppolo in tow as someone who can be depended on to be a capable starter this year, he’s worth a shot.

6. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Gonzalez is a tall, long and speedy corner who’s smooth in coverage, makes plays on the ball frequently and is rarely caught out of position. When’s the last time the Raiders have had a defensive back like that?

7. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Witherspoon doesn’t have the size and speed Gonzalez has, but he makes up for it with superb ball skills, unrelenting competitiveness and a level of physicality that’s rare for a cornerback. He’s a legit thumper in the run game and has a knack for using his hands and body to disrupt receivers without being called for penalties. He didn’t test throughout the scouting process due to a hamstring injury, but that shouldn’t stop the Raiders from taking him.

8. Tyree Wilson, edge, Texas Tech

Wilson hasn’t been able to test as he’s continued to recover from an foot injury that ended his 2022 season, but the versatile, 6-6, 271-pound edge rusher is intriguing. He’s not the most explosive, but he has the length, strength and athleticism to be a productive pass rusher and stout run defender. He also has the ability to play inside, which would provide defensive coordinator Patrick Graham the freedom to insert him in D-line groupings alongside Crosby and Jones.

9. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

Johnson played left tackle and guard in college, so right tackle would be a new position for him, but it may be worth it for the Raiders to give him the chance to pull it off. He has lanky arms and has far more quickness, speed and fluidity that belies his 6-6, 313-pound frame. He gave up just two sacks in his Ohio State career according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and is a monster in the run game. If he pans out, he will give the Raiders a pair of bookends who’ll be entrenched on the O-line for years to come across from Kolton Miller.

10. Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

Teams are split about whether Skoronski is better off at tackle or guard at the next level, but the consensus is that he’s a good offensive lineman. Ideally for the Raiders’ interests, he’d be able to hold up at right tackle. He has less-than-ideal length, but has the fundamentals, athleticism and smarts to make that happen.

11. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Jones was a left tackle in his lone season as a full-time starter at Georgia, but would switch to right tackle for the Raiders. He has the strength, power and tenacity to excel as a run blocker and didn’t allow a single sack in pass protection last season, so he’s a complete player.

12. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Porter is a overly physical sometimes, but that’s the part of his game that made him stand out the most. He’s a little stiff, but he has a tantalizing mix of size, length and ball skills that make it easy to see him being a starting corner in the league for a long time.

13. Nolan Smith, edge, Georgia

Smith got everyone’s attention with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine, but there’s more to his game. He’s coming off a season-ending pectoral injury, but he’s an elite run defender with the upside to become a top-end pass rusher. It won’t be long before his name is called in the first round.

14. Myles Murphy, edge, Clemson

Murphy is another prospect who hasn’t tested — he’s been nursing a hamstring injury — but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s a 6-5, 268-pound, productive, inside-outside defensive lineman who consistently made plays in the backfield. If he expands his collection of pass-rush moves, he could be a truly disruptive player.

15. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Levis has prototypical size, a huge arm and legit rushing ability, so he has a high ceiling. His floor, however, is lower due to his propensity to commit turnovers, miss easy throws, take unnecessary hits and struggle to work the pocket.

16. Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Wright is big, long and agile and has extensive experience starting at right tackle. He’d be a perfect fit to fill the Raiders’ biggest need on the offensive line.

17. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The Raiders have a couple tight ends who can start in Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard, but neither of those options is exciting. Mayer is a highly skilled receiver, competent blocker and has far more upside.

18. Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa

Van Ness isn’t the most explosive player, but he’s productive, is effective as both a pass rusher and run stopper and can line up at multiple positions. He’d immediately join the Raiders’ starting D-line rotation.

19. Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Branch is the best safety in the class and is the only one worth considering in the first round. The Raiders added Marcus Epps in free agency and believe Tre’von Moehrig can bounce back after a rough sophomore season, but Branch would still bolster the position group while also bringing the ability to line up at nickelback.

20. Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

Bresee had an up-and-down college career as he pushed through injuries and mental health struggles, but he’s an immensely talented player. He’s shown he can be effective from multiple alignments and could become a scary player if he maximizes his potential.

21. Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

There’s a drop-off after the first few cornerbacks, but Banks still brings a lot to the table with his elite size, speed and athleticism. If he can sharpen up his technique, he could be a true lockdown corner.

22. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Simpson has elite speed and coverage skills while also serving as a thumper in the run game. Clemson had him line up as an inside linebacker, outside linebacker and slot defender, and he had no issues juggling those responsibilities.

23. Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Kincaid is much more of a receiving specialist than Mayer, so he may not be the best fit for coach Josh McDaniels, who prefers tight ends who can block. The Raiders will have to believe Kincaid can make big strides in that area to feel comfortable taking him.

24. Calijah Kancey, DT. Pittsburgh

Kancey is small for an interior defensive lineman at 280 pounds, but he has a truly special athletic profile. Players can bulk up, but they can’t suddenly acquire the traits that Kancey has.

25. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

Sanders is just solid in coverage compared to Simpson, but he’s bigger at 6-5. He also had significantly more tackling and pass-rush production in college.

26. Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Washington is every bit of 6-7, 264 pounds and was largely a blocking specialist at Georgia, but he has good hands and decent route-running ability. If he can refine his pass-catching ability, he’ll be a terrifying player at the next level.

27. Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

Musgrave is far more proven than Washington as a receiver, but he struggled to stay healthy in college and isn’t in the same stratosphere as a blocker. His medicals will be a huge factor.

28. O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida

Torrence puts fear in defenders with his mix of size, tenacity and physicality both in the run and pass game. Guard isn’t a sexy position, but he would provide an upgrade for the Raiders.

29. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Ringo wasn’t as fast or athletic as many expected at the combine, but he still has good traits, disrupts receivers with his physicality and is a positive factor in the run game. The downsides are he’s stiff and has inconsistent ball skills.

30. Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

Forbes is only 6 feet and 166 pounds, but he’s ball hawk and has incredible length. If he can fill out his frame, he could become a productive starter.

31. Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin

Benton is an elite run stuffer and can line up at multiple positions on the defensive line. He didn’t compile a bunch of sacks in college, but he has the athleticism, footwork and hand skills to believe that can change in the NFL.

32. Will McDonald IV, edge, Iowa State

McDonald is similar to Nolan Smith in that he’s a smaller built but wildly explosive edge rusher, but he’s older (24 in June) and can be exploited as a run defender. He hasn’t shown he’s capable of being an effective three-down player, so right now he’s more of a pass-rush-only option.

33. Steve Avila, G, TCU

Avila is just solid all around. He should be a plug-and-play starter who performs well from Day 1.

34. B.J. Ojulari, edge, LSU

Much like McDonald, Ojulari has sensational pass-rush ability but struggles to hold up against the run. He has to get bigger and stronger to be a three-down player.

35. Keion White, edge, Georgia Tech

White is a run-stopper and pocket pusher who has inside-outside versatility. There’s value in that, but you wish he had more pass-rush juice.

36. Derick Hall, edge, Auburn

Hall is as explosive as they come coming off the edge, but he’s a little raw in terms of his technique both against the run and pass. He’ll need to be coached up to reach his potential.

37. Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

Bergeron is a fundamentally sound right tackle who could compete for starting reps in Year 1 and would likely be a plug-and-play starter if he transitioned to guard. There’s always room for versatile, consistent, dependable offensive linemen.

38. Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Harrison was a left tackle in college, so he’d have to transition to right tackle, but he’s still moldable as someone who’ll only be 21 this season. He has ideal length, size and athleticism, but needs refinement and time to develop.

39. Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

Kraft has rare speed, athleticism and quickness for his size, but he’s just OK as a route runner and blocker. Drafting him would be more about his long-term upside after he better understands how to excel at the fundamentals.

40. Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

Jones’ size at 6-8, 375 pounds and long arms make it difficult to get around him, but he’s also surprisingly mobile and uses his hands well. He’s a true right tackle and has starting potential.

41. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

Campbell thrives against the run, is solid in coverage and has displayed the ability to use his smarts to compensate for average athleticism. He has the look of a reliable, every-down, starting linebacker at the next level.

42. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

LaPorta is a capable blocker — he did a lot of it in Iowa’s lethargic, run-first offense — and flashed impressive receiving skills when given the opportunity. He’d work his way into the rotation as a rookie.

43. Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern

Adebawore is the most physically talented defensive lineman in the draft with his blend of explosiveness, size, speed and length. It’s just about whether he can become more refined, but he has a ton of potential as an inside-out D-lineman.

44. DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

Turner has rare speed — he ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the combine — but he’s on the smaller side at 6-1, 178 pounds. He needs to get bigger, become less reliant on his speed and sharpen his fundamentals.

45. Isaiah Foskey, edge, Notre Dame

Foskey was highly productive in college and is a great athlete, but he hasn’t displayed the pass rush moves necessary to be successful coming off the edge. He could spend some time learning from two of the best in that field in Crosby and Jones.

46. Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

Rush has elite size, speed and length. He’s another player who needs to refine his technique and will be a really good starter if he does.

47. Cody Mauch, G, North Dakota State

Mauch is a little light in the backside and doesn’t have ideal arm length, but he’s surprisingly strong and makes up for his physical limitations with his technique and awareness. If he can gain weight, he could become a starting guard pretty quickly.

48. Gervon Dexter Sr., DL, Florida

Dexter relies on his brute size and strength more than his athleticism and hands, but he was a productive run-stopper in college. He needs to show a lot of growth as a pass rusher.

49. Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

Smith is a physical freak, but it didn’t translate into pass production as he finished his college career with just a 1/2 sack.

50. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

It’s much more difficult to get behind the idea of drafting a 25-year-old quarterback coming off a torn ACL after signing Garoppolo. Hooker still makes the list, though, because he’s clearly the best quarterback among the group expected to be available after the first round.

(Top photo of Will Anderson Jr.: Brandon Sumrall / Getty Images)