Las Vegas Raiders mock draft 2023: Pick-by-pick predictions

No. 7, Round 1: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Raiders are notorious for some surprise early-round picks, but they go with a guy who satisfies one of their biggest needs at seventh overall in Gonzalez. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Oregon product has good size for a corner, but also quick speed as he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. It’s that combo that makes him dangerous, as he racked up 50 tackles and four interceptions in his lone season at Oregon last year following his time at Colorado. Despite some free-agent additions at this position, Gonzalez could immediately become the Raiders’ No. 1 corner.