The NFL Draft is as much about a mindset as it is about opportunity. 

And it is clear, after a disappointing 2022 season, the Las Vegas Raiders are in the business of taking the best player available. 

But what does that really mean? Dave Ziegler explained, at least to the Raiders, what that may look like come Thursday's Round One draft night. 

"We talked about it last year — we're focused on taking the best player available," Ziegler told the media on Friday. "I think where our roster's at and our want to improve competition at every position, that leaves us open to that. Now I would also say, and I would caveat that by saying, when you talk about the best available player, there's a lot of different things that encompass that. It's not just tape. And so, it's the best fit for the Raiders.

"And there's different things that go into that, whether it's the football intelligence piece, football character. There's different things that go into that, that makes that player the best available player for each individual organization. I think that sometimes can get lost. And so that's what it means for us — the best available player, that's the best player for the Raiders organization and fits what we're looking for. And we're going to stay true to that process and stay open to that." 

The Raiders have a wealth of holes to patch in the 2023 NFL Draft. One of the most pressing questions is quarterback. Though the team recently signed former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, it is clear that the organization is still thinking about opting to find a younger option for the same position. 

One of the options is Anthony Richardson. It is to be determined if he will be available when the Raiders are up to make their selection, but the prospect is intriguing. 

There is also the unsaid assumption that Josh Jacobs may be dealt to a different team on Day One of the draft. If so, Jacobs could be involved in a move that nets the Raiders a pick earlier in the first round of the draft that could nab them an opportunity to select Richardson or another young quarterback prospect. 

Then there is the question of offering assurance on the defensive end. The secondary needs to be examined. The Raiders could opt to go younger on the defensive line. Or the Raiders can opt to add the necessary depth at the edge position. 

Only time will tell. But it is clear that with the Raiders, the best player available really means finding the player that also lines up with the team's long-term vision.