Three UDFAs that can make the Raiders' 53-man roster in 2023
The Las Vegas Raiders still have a bunch of holes to fill even after the 2023 NFL Draft and are hoping that some UDFAs can help. This time of year is where the journeyman stories are made. This is where the guys that didn't get drafted prove everyone wrong. This is where some teams find […]
The Las Vegas Raiders still have a bunch of holes to fill even after the 2023 NFL Draft and are hoping that some UDFAs can help.
This time of year is where the journeyman stories are made. This is where the guys that didn't get drafted prove everyone wrong. This is where some teams find some great hidden talent, and some gems sometimes. This is where guys like Dave Grayson, and even Willie Brown, a few undrafted Raiders legends, got their careers started.
Now it's about finding those guys, and based on what we have seen, there are a few guys that have shown they may be able to break into the Raiders' 53-man roster. I think there are three that definitely can.
1. Dalton Wagner, OT, Arkansas
Wagner received the most money in total guarantees by any UDFA so far, as he is getting $225,000 thousand, according to AtoZ Sports reporter Doug Kyed. The Raiders need offensive line help and didn't address it in the draft. They have Kolton Miller, Thayer Munford, Jermaine Eluemunor, and Dylan Parham all slated to have similar seasons in 2023 as far as roles go, but would need depth or even a potential start at a tackle position.
Wagner was a four-year starter in college at Arkansas and had his best season in 2022 where he allowed just two sacks. He was a popular vote for the All-SEC second team and even had some first-team votes. I truly think Wagner could compete for a backup spot on either side. His 6'9", 320-pound size makes him out to be an intriguing player nonetheless. He is at times an unmoveable object.
2. Drake Thomas, LB, NC State
Drake Thomas was one of the best linebackers in the draft and just so happens to play a position the Raiders desperately need. If it were up to me, I would have rathered the Raiders draft Thomas instead of Amari Burney. That doesn't mean Burney is bad, I just think Thomas is that good.
To me, Thomas could compete for a backup position or maybe even a starter role. His college stats tell you enough of what you need to know about his game. At NC State, he finished with 101 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 7 1/2 sacks, and four pass deflections in 2023. But the reason he wasn't drafted when he maybe should have been is because of his 5'11", 223-pound frame.
3. Jaydon Grant, S, Oregon State
The Raiders desperately need a safety, and while they drafted one in Christopher Smith out of Georgia, that doesn't mean they won't bring in more competition. Marcus Epps has the starting spot locked in, in my opinion. But, that second spot may be up for grabs, depending on what Patrick Graham wants.
Grant, though, has all of the skill and talent to be a backup safety. Grant was a seven-year college athlete and played both cornerback and safety throughout his time at Oregon State. 2022 was his best season with 64 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three interceptions. His one downside is his 5'11" frame and his age. Because he played for so long, his ceiling may have already been met.
