Way-too-early Las Vegas Raiders 2023 NFL Draft preview

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon. (Picks 1-18 are locked in.)

2022 Record: 6-11 | Projected first-round pick: No.7 | Team needs: QB, DE

Snapshot: The Raiders have two major problems: no viable starting quarterback and an inadequate pass rush. Las Vegas benched longtime starting QB Derek Carr after Week 16 and will likely move on from him through trade or his release. The Raiders ranked 30th in sacks (27), with defensive end Maxx Crosby accounting for nearly half (12.5).  

Potential first-round picks: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State; Will Levis, QB, Kentucky; Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech 

According to Sports Illustrated NFL Insider Albert Breer, Las Vegas is "looking into" Tom Brady. Nevertheless, Las Vegas must consider drafting a QB. Brady is 45 and not a long-term solution. Backup Jarrett Stidham is 0-2 as a starter. 

Stroud is a compelling option. In the past two seasons at Ohio State, where he had NFL-caliber receivers, he threw for 85 touchdowns. Stroud impressed against Georgia's vaunted defense in the CFP semifinal, tossing four touchdown passes.