ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell throws during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. Teams had shied away in recent years on taking a late-round flyer on quarterbacks as fewer teams kept three quarterbacks on the roster after the NFL eliminated the game-day roster exemption for an emergency third quarterback.
Published Saturday, April 29, 2023 | 9 a.m.
Updated 1 hour ago
The Raiders finish off a “foundational” draft today with the highest number of picks in a single day since the franchise moved to Las Vegas in 2020.
Las Vegas came into the third and final day of the 2023 NFL draft with seven selections spread out across the final four rounds, though that number is subject to change. The Raiders are expected to trade up, or down, throughout the day to acquire targets in a number of areas.
Read below for a running log and introduction to each of the Raiders’ picks.
Jakorian Bennett, cornerback, Maryland (fourth round, 104th overall pick)
Cornerback Jakorian Bennett works out during Maryland’s football pro day on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, in College Park, Md.
6-foot, 185 pounds
Quick scout: One of the fastest defensive backs in the draft, the Mobile, Ala. native showed an innate ability to stick with receivers and create big plays in man coverage the last two seasons. He banked five interceptions and 21 passes break-ups in the span.
Where he fits: Despite being a third-day pick, Bennett could start immediately with a strong training camp. Cornerback is the weakest position group on the Raiders’ roster with no one outside of Nate Hobbs having really separated themselves.
What he said: “Speed is one of my biggest strengths — that and versatility. Having speed in your back pocket is one of the bigger things to help me out. Speed kills, that’s what everyone says. I think it makes a receiver’s job tougher, knowing he has to beat me with routes instead of vertically.”
Aidan O’Connell, quarterback, Purdue (fourth round, 135th overall pick)
Quick scout: A former walk-on with the Boilermakers, O’Connell worked his way up the roster en route to taking over as a full-time starter in his final two seasons. He’s highly accurate with a quick release but not very mobile, not unlike current quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Where he fits: He’ll be either the primary backup or emergency option to Garoppolo while studying under veteran Brian Hoyer, who was also signed as a free agent this offseason.
What he said: “(Raiders coach Josh McDaniels) is a great offensive mind. I just can’t wait to get out there, get the playbook and start learning. I love to learn about football, love to talk about football so I’m just excited to pick (McDaniels’) brain along with the other coaches.”
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or
