Raiders pull off a trade in Dane Brugler's 7-round NFL mock draft

Raiders pull off a trade in Dane Brugler’s 7-round NFL mock draft

In a new mock draft from one of the most respected NFL draft analysts out there, the Las Vegas Raiders land their franchise quarterback with a trade up into the first round.

Unlike other mocks we’ve seen that have had the Raiders trading up early in the first or second rounds, this one from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has the Raiders trading into the first round with the Detroit Lions.

The deal sees Las Vegas give up pick Nos. 44 and 77 in exchange for the 29th overall selection — and with that selection, the Raiders take Michael Penix Jr.

Here’s Brugler’s thoughts on the deal:

According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, “the whispers are getting louder” that the Raiders might draft Penix at No. 13. But this scenario feels like the better option, even if it means parting with a pair of Day 2 draft picks. A polarizing player among NFL front offices, Penix is an aggressive downfield passer with the mental toughness that will certainly stand out for Pierce and his staff.

If we base it on the Jimmy Johnson trade value chart, the value of the Lions pick is just 25 points fewer than the two Raiders selections.

Now, a look at the rest of the picks that Brugler makes for the Raiders, along with any write-ups provided by him:

Dane Brugler’s picks for Raiders

Round 1, Pick 13: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama

The Raiders will certainly consider several offensive and defensive linemen at this spot. With two worthy cornerback prospects on the board, though, both Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell will be part of the conversation. I wouldn’t be surprised to see either corner here, but Arnold has the dog mentality that speaks directly to Antonio Pierce.

Round 1, Pick 29: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Round 4, Pick 112: RB Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

Round 5, Pick 148: WR Jamari Thrash, Louisville

Round 6, Pick 208: OT Walter Rouse, Stanford

Round 7, Pick 223: G Layden Robinson, Texas A&M

Round 7, Pick 229: DT Evan Anderson, FAU

Analysis of Dane Brugler’s picks for Raiders

The biggest issue with this mock for the Raiders is that the team doesn’t address its need for an offensive tackle until the sixth round, which would mean the team would either have to sign another option in free agency or roll with Thayer Munford for 2024.

The good news is, the Raiders still have cap space to work with, so the former option is doable.

Adding a cornerback like Arnold in the first round is still a good pick, though. In a passing league and a division run by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, beefing up the cornerback position opposite Jack Jones is a must.

In this scenario, moving up to grab Penix Jr. means Las Vegas wouldn’t be able to grab its right tackle in the first two days, but it’s a sacrifice the Raiders have to make if they truly believe the Washington product is their guy.

Of course, the preference after that would be to grab a right tackle in Round 4, where Brugler has Las Vegas taking a running back instead. The Raiders are already in good shape with a duo of Zamir White and Alexander Mattison, so they definitely could’ve waited on taking a back. The same can be said for the wide receiver pick in Round 5, although Las Vegas is lacking more there.

Rouse played almost exclusively at left tackle in college, but one would assume he could slide over if needed. That said, he’s going to need development and isn’t likely to be ready to start in Year 1, if ever.

Robinson will also be a project on the inside and chances are he won’t be anything more than depth, at best, for the long haul. The same can be said for Anderson on the defensive side of the ball.

I have no issue with the Raiders selecting Arnold in the first round and being aggressive to get Penix Jr., but they need to address the tackle position earlier than this, if possible.