Dynasty fantasy football is a year-round affair. A sharp manager will be thinking about all aspects of the dynasty season. Those managers keen enough to look ahead will be the ones who can grab themselves an edge over the competition. Industry professionals and content creators will spend most of the dynasty off-season discussing incoming rookies and the related topic, the NFL draft. We easily fall in love with the next workhorse running back or prototypical alpha wide receiver.
But a manager in tune with the entire draft class will find themselves ahead of the game. Whether it is the next road-paving interior offensive lineman or genetic freak edge rusher, we can find ourselves at quite the advantage come April by building an entire picture of how the 2023 class will play out. Those who prepare ahead will not be often surprised at the outcomes.
Credit for the mock draft simulation goes to the NFL Mock Draft Database. Team needs are also generated from this site. Compensatory picks have not been assigned or included in this exercise.
2023 Season Recap
The Raiders had a season that was never expected to be much, but their start was less than ideal. The team started the season with a record of 3-5, and that was enough for owner Mark Davis. He decided to fire Josh McDaniels at that point and promoted linebackers coach Antonio Pierce. The results from the former Super Bowl champion would be far greater than anyone expected.
Pierce had the entire Raiders team playing loose and with renewed energy. The offense with Aidan O’Connell finally looked functional, and they could even get their playmakers involved more. The work he did with the team did not go unnoticed by the players, as when the time came to hire a coach officially, they rallied behind him. Pierce secured the full-time job and brought in Luke Getsy as his offensive coordinator.
The biggest question for the Raiders is who will get the nod at quarterback? Will they stick with O’Connell, who showed promise, or draft a rookie? For many, the choice is clear.
Mock Draft
1.13 J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The franchise quarterback has arrived. I am a big fan of J.J. McCarthy, and despite what the offense asked of him at Michigan, he has shown he has an NFL arm. He will have weapons like Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Michael Mayer right away, and they will elevate him. He will do the same in return.
2.44 Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Robinson is an uber-athletic edge rusher who, at this point, is being overlooked. His 2023 season was not his best; 2022 was, and people quickly forget what these players can do. Putting him opposite Maxx Crosby would give the Raiders a much-needed 1-2 punch at EDGE in the quarterback-heavy AFC West.
3.77 Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
Wright is one of the media and Twitter’s favorite running back prospects in this class. Wright has a physical style but remains athletic enough to be a dual-threat piece in the offense. The team isn’t likely to resign Josh Jacobs. If they don’t, plug in Wright, and the running game shouldn’t miss a beat.
4.113 Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, DB, Texas Tech
A physical defensive back, Taylor-Demerson could serve in multiple roles for the Raiders. He played both safety and cornerback for the Red Raiders, but can he do that for the Las Vegas Raiders? Absolutely. Whatever and wherever they need it, Taylor-Demerson can fill the need and be a reliable starter on day one.
5.147 Grayson Murphy, EDGE, UCLA
Murphy has the tools to develop as an EDGE rusher, but it may take some time. This mock draft is heavy with developmental pieces, but for a new front office and staff, they can afford that for now. Immediately, however, Murphy serves as a rotational pass rusher and can use his time to learn alongside one of the best in the game, Crosby.
6.190 M.J. Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh
A special teams player with starting potential in case of emergency, Devonshire could be what makes or breaks this day three group of picks. The Pittsburgh corner was able to hold his own in the talented ACC, but can he do that in the AFC West?
7.221 Anim Dankwah, OT, Howard
The ultimate project this late in the draft, Dankwah, will need some time to sit and develop. He has physical traits for days, but I haven’t seen him against NFL-caliber competition. If he has the strength to handle it on day one, we may see him sooner, but for now, he is a great piece to sit and wait behind Kolton Miller.
7.231 Keith Randolph Jr., DL, Illinois
Randolph plays like a classic Raider pick. There is always one in each of their drafts, but they also get a fun developmental piece with him. Randolph can help with the run defense and serve as a developmental pass rusher on the interior.
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