Honestly, Las Vegas Raiders could use 2022 first-round draft picks at several positions

In one of our more interesting recent survey results, we asked readers on Monday to pick what position they think the Las Vegas Raiders will use their 2022 first-round pick on.

In a poll that more than 1,800 people participated in, we had a surprise winner as 38 percent of the voters think the Raiders will draft a quarterback in the 2022 first round. Defensive tackle (my pick) was second at 29 percent, followed by linebacker at 13 percent.

There are several spots that the Raiders can use their top pick next year at. Of course, it all depends on production and health of the veterans on the 2021 roster.

Let’s look at each position to see if the Raiders could use their 2022 first selection round there:

Quarterback:
The 2022 mock drafts are already connecting the Raiders to quarterbacks. At some point it’s going to happen and the Raiders will choose Derek Carr’s replacement. But if Carr has a big year in 2021, he will likely get a contract extension and not be replaced.

Running back:
I don’t see that happening either. The Raiders will likely be giving Josh Jacobs his fifth-year option next year, not drafting his replacement.

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Wide receiver:
If Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards don’t improve enough from their 2020 rookie season, I could see the Raiders taking a receiver in the first round. They really don’t have any long-term established cornerstones there heading into this season.

Tight end:
This is Darren Waller’s spot for the next several years. Expect him to get a contract extension at some point.

Tackle:
Like running back, this is not happening either after the Raiders just extended left tackle Kolton Miller and drafted Alex Leatherwood in the first round.

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Guard:
Guard could certainly be a hot spot. The Raiders need to get young here.

Center:
The only way this would be possible is if Andre James is a flop as Rodney Hudson’s replacement and seventh-round pick Jimmy Morrissey isn’t what the team hopes he is as a long-term prospect.

Defensive end:
I could see a pass rusher being considered because Yannick Ngakoue and Maxx Crosby are under contract only through 2022. The X-factor could be third-round pick Malcolm Koonce. If he doesn’t develop quickly, the Raiders could look at this position early again in the next draft.

Defensive tackle:
This is a real possibility. The Raiders don’t have any defensive tackles under contract for 2022. I’d start scouting interior defensive linemen.

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Linebacker:
If Cory Littleton and/or Nick Kwiatkoski don’t flourish this season under Gus Bradley, I can see the Raiders drafting a linebacker early.

Cornerback:
After such a big recent commitment to the position early in the draft, I can’t justify the Raiders taking a player in the first round here in 2022.

Safety: See above.