Raider Nation shows up and shows out for first round of NFL Draft

Apr 28, 2022 at 09:38 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

A general view of the draft stage during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)

The Las Vegas Raiders didn't have a first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and frankly their fans didn't care.

In the sea of thousands of fans packed at the draft theater near the High Roller, a swarm of Silver of Black could be seen for miles. With the draft in Las Vegas for the first time ever, the fans couldn't wait until pick No. 86 to get in the action.

The roaring of the crowd started early before the Jacksonville Jaguars could even make the first pick. The Silver and Black were ecstatic to see Raiders stars past and present grace the stage in Derek Carr, Darren Waller and Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen. Not to mention they were greeted by the warm embrace of self-proclaimed "President of Raider Nation" Ice Cube. The first day of the draft seemed to be a great success, wrapped up by a concert from the Grammy-winning band Weezer.

Among the Silver and Black loyal in attendance was a California man that has witnessed the Raiders win three Super Bowls. He brought along his son, who is hopeful he'll see one himself.

Joe Toscano and his son Jose traveled to Las Vegas for the draft from Riverside County, California. The two are season ticket holders for the Raiders and have been to five home games since the team relocated to the desert. They described the gameday experience at Allegiant Stadium as unparalleled to anything they've ever witnessed – and made the proper assumption that the NFL Draft would be the same.

This is what happens in Vegas.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/qtF0VMUjya
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) April 29, 2022

"It's in Vegas, we had to come!" exclaimed Joe Toscano with his son next to him in agreeance. "Why wouldn't you want to come to Vegas for the draft? They should have it here every year. It's a great experience, lots of people. This is probably the only time you'll see every team calm and excited for what's to come."

When asked who the Raiders might take at No. 86, Jose Toscano expressed his desire for his favorite team to draft an offensive lineman. However, his father's desires matched a lot of what Head Coach Josh McDaniels and General Manager Dave Ziegler have openly expressed they'll do since arriving to Las Vegas.

"Best player available."

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

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