NFL analyst proposes savvy draft strategy for Raiders

Since Las Vegas faces defensive problems and uncertainty at QB, it could kill two birds with one stone, trading for another first-round draft pick. 

In his recent mock draft, NFL.com's Chad Reuter predicts the Raiders will use their No. 7 overall pick on Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez and acquire the No. 30 pick from Philadelphia to select Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker. 

Trying to deal for another first-round pick would be a savvy move because the Raiders won't have to compromise between QB or defense, selecting two highly-touted prospects instead. 

The Raider's defense was awful last season, particularly against the pass. It ranked 29th in passing yards and 19th in passing TDs allowed. Therefore, adding a promising, young CB bolsters the secondary. 

However, Las Vegas has QB questions, too. Even though it signed Jimmy Garoppolo to replace longtime starter Derek Carr, his alarming injury history raises concerns. 

Over the past five seasons, Jimmy G missed 31 games with injuries, including a broken foot and ACL tear. If he suffered another, the Raiders would have to rely on 37-year-old backup Brian Hoyer, who has a 16-24 record as a starter.

So Las Vegas should be aggressive and secure higher draft capital to target Gonzalez and Hooker.

According to NFL next gen stats, Gonzalez is the No. 1 CB prospect in the 2023 draft class. During his senior season at Oregon, the 6-foot-1, 207-pound CB earned First-Team All-Pac 12 honors. At the combine, he tied for the third-highest vertical jump (41.5 inches).

Hooker led the nation in QBR, posting an 89.5 rating in 11 games last season. He also won SEC Offensive Player of the Year, throwing 27 TDs. He is the No. 2 QB in the draft, per NFL next gen stats.

Hooker and Gonzalez have plenty of upside, so the Raiders should ask themselves: why not have both?