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

No. 38, Round 2: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

Las Vegas could go defense again with its second pick, but tight end is also a need after the team traded Darren Waller this offseason, while backup Foster Moreau was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last month. As a result, the Raiders target one of the top guys available at the position in LaPorta. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound standout showed plenty of upside at Iowa with solid 4.59 speed and an ability to break tackles. He racked up over 1,300 yards across the past two seasons, and the Raiders will hope he’s the next star tight end from the Hawkeyes.