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5 NFL teams that can’t afford to have a bad 2023 NFL Draft

By Brendan Danaher

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A general view of a video board as the New York Giants pick is announced during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A general view of a video board as the New York Giants pick is announced during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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2023 NFL Draft
2023 NFL Draft; Las Vegas Raiders coach Josh McDaniels (left), owner Mark Davis (center) and general manager Dave Ziegler at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Team #3 – Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders could have very easily taken the top spot on this list. The Raiders traded away a top 5 tight end in the league, Darren Waller, to the Giants for a third-round pick. The Raiders also released their quarterback for the past nine seasons, Derek Carr, who quickly found a new home with the New Orleans Saints. The Raiders have replaced these two players with tight end Austin Hooper and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Raiders fans are doing their best to be optimistic but the Raiders’ free agency period was spent adding middle-of-the-road/depth signings, while “The Nation” screamed for some playmakers to join the roster. Not every free agent acquisition can be a game-changing splash signing but in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Raiders need to find some impact players. The Raiders’ defense has been a sore spot for years and in this draft general manager Dave Ziegler needs to be bold and calculated at the same time. Despite conflicting reports, it may be in their best interest to take a risk on a player such as defensive tackle Jalen Carter to revamp the defense.

There is no general consensus on whether or not the Raiders got weaker or stronger in this free agency period but the Raiders definitely are not any closer to beating the Kansas City Chiefs. Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels can win over fans and analysts alike if they can pull off a strong draft performance in April. They are armed with 12 draft picks and have a real chance to turn the franchise around. The Raiders are not synonymous with strong drafts but this will be Ziegler’s first draft with a first-round pick and multiple selections in almost every round.

Raiders 2023 NFL Draft Picks:

Round 1, Pick 7
Round 2, Pick 38
Round 3, Pick 70
Round 3, Pick 100 (From KC via NYG)
Round 4, Pick 109
Round 5, Pick 141
Round 5, Pick 144 (From ATL)
Round 5, Pick 174*
Round 6, Pick 204 (From DAL)
Round 6, Pick 214*
Round 7, Pick 220 (From ARI)
Round 7, Pick 231 (From NE)

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