2022 NFL mock draft: Texans pass on QB in QB-heavy predictions

2022 NFL mock draft: 8th pick

Ever since the Las Vegas Raiders hired Jon Gruden as their head coach in 2018, people have been looking for reasons to replace Derek Carr at the quarterback position.

Although Carr may not be in the “elite” tier at the quarterback position, he’s a really solid player and the Raiders have simply failed to hit on free agent, trade, and draft acquisitions to assemble the roster around him.

With that being said, finishing with the 8th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft — if that were to happen — would almost certainly spell doom for Carr with the Raiders. You can only give a guy so many chances to lead you to the promised land, and the Raiders have stuck with Carr for quite some time.

If the Raiders finish with this high of a pick, a major change could be coming not only at quarterback, but we might see some changes from the top down including GM Mike Mayock.

Malik Willis would represent a pretty drastic stylistic difference from Derek Carr, a pure pocket passer. Willis is an outstanding dual-threat, arguably the best in all of college football.

The former Auburn transfer had 20 passing TDs and 14 rushing TDs in his first year as the full-time starter at Liberty.

The tools are all there for him to be a successful starter at the next level, including a rocket launcher for a right arm.

The Raiders have to deal with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert twice a year now, so getting a playmaker like this could really keep them in contention in the AFC West.