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.
"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."
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas.
The NFL Green Room before the start of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The NFL Green Room before the start of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The NFL Green Room before the start of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The NFL Green Room before the start of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The NFL Green Room before the start of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The NFL Green Room before the start of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The NFL Green Room before the start of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Jerseys hang on racks backstage before the start of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders' swag in the NFL Draft Theater before fans arrive for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders' swag in the NFL Draft Theater before fans arrive for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Fans walk around the NFL Fan Experience before the start of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders fans walk down the red carpet during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 2022 NFL Draft Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft.
A general view of the draft stage during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Jenny Arata, hometown of Kyiv, Ukraine, during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Members of the armed forces present the colors during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Singer Kodi Lee performs during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Singer Kodi Lee performs during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Rapper and actor Ice Cube in the crowd during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Rapper and actor Ice Cube in the crowd during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4), tight end Darren Waller (83), Raiders alumnus Marcus Allen and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the first round of the NFL football 2022 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and rapper and actor Ice Cube during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Rapper and actor Ice Cube during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and rapper and actor Ice Cube during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Marcus Allen during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Raiderettes Kristina, Camryn, Vicky and Maddie during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Raiderettes Maddie, Vicky, Camryn and Kristina during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Raiderette Vicky during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Raiderettes Maddie, Vicky, Camryn and Kristina during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Celebrity magician Criss Angel performs during Day 2 the 2022 NFL Draft.
Celebrity magician Criss Angel performs during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Celebrity magician Criss Angel performs during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Celebrity magician Criss Angel performs during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Actor Keegan-Michael Key announces a pick during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders Hall of Famer Marcus Allen and entertainer Wayne Newton on stage during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders Hall of Famer Marcus Allen on stage during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Entertainer Wayne Newton on stage during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
