We are just days away from the 2022 NFL Draft and it’s becoming slightly easier to predict what the Raiders might do in the third round. After looking at their needs and all of their pre-draft visits, offensive line and cornerback appear to be the two spots they are the most interested in upgrading.
But what need will they decide to address first and who could be available in later rounds to add depth?
In a recent seven-round mock draft by Ian Cummings of the Pro Football Network, he had the Raiders going offensive line with their first pick. Here are the full results from the mock:
No. 86 – Joshua Ezeudu, OL, North Carolina
No. 126 – Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers
No. 164 – Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
No. 165 – Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri
No. 227 – Leon O’Neal Jr., S, Texas A&M
Ezeudu would make a lot of sense for the Raiders as he has experience at both tackle spots and guard. He’s probably a guard in the NFL, but his versatility would make him a valuable contributor right away for the Raiders.
But the more interesting pick here is Marcus Jones at No. 164. The Raiders met with Jones in the pre-draft process and he is someone who can play the slot and help out as a returner. He was a two-time All-American selection due to his return abilities and even played some offense this season for Houston.
If the Raiders decide to wait on cornerback until the third day of the draft, Jones would be among the best possible picks they could make. In fact, he might even be in consideration at No. 86 due to his elite ball production and special teams ability.
