Las Vegas Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft – It’s a new era in Las Vegas, and while they still have questions surrounding the most important position on the team, there’s a lot of discussion about what the Raiders will do with their first-round selection. Do they have the ammo to move up to land one of the top quarterbacks? Are they high enough on Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix to select them at pick 13? It’s a roster with a lot of needs, and it’ll be interesting to see what they do when they’re on the clock.
Here’s a breakdown of a Las Vegas Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft using the PFF Mock Draft simulator:
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Las Vegas Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 13: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The offensive line has been a major Achilles’ heel for the Raiders in recent seasons. Protecting their quarterback, whoever that may be, becomes priority number one. Enter JC Latham, a dominant offensive tackle from Alabama.
Latham is a behemoth with a chiseled physique (6’7″, 325 lbs) and exceptional athleticism. He possesses the strength to anchor against bull rushes and the footwork to neutralize speed rushers. His long arms and powerful hands allow him to control defenders at the point of attack, creating a clean pocket for the quarterback.
Furthermore, Latham showcases impressive agility and movement skills for his size, allowing him to excel in zone-blocking schemes, a staple in the modern NFL.
While the Raiders haven’t announced their long-term plans at quarterback, investing in the offensive line is crucial regardless. Latham can be a cornerstone tackle for years to come, and his experience on the right side makes him a nice complement to left tackle Kolton Miller.
Round 2, Pick 44: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
The Raiders’ secondary struggled mightily last season, particularly in coverage. With the 44th pick, they can add a young, talented cornerback in T.J. Tampa from Iowa State.
Tampa is a ball-hawking corner with a knack for making plays on the football. He possesses good size (6’1″, 200 lbs) and displays impressive closing speed. His instincts allow him to read routes well and anticipate throws, putting him in a position to make interceptions.
Tampa isn’t afraid to mix it up in run defense, either. He’s a strong tackler who isn’t afraid to come up in run support, which is a valuable asset in today’s NFL. This selection provides much-needed young talent and competition within the Raiders’ secondary.
Round 3, Pick 77: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
Davante Adams remains a dominant force, but the Raiders lack depth at the wide receiver position behind Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Jermaine Burton, a big-bodied wideout from Alabama, fits the bill perfectly in the third round.
Burton is a long, lanky vertical threat who fits in well with Adams and Meyers’s skill set. He excels at winning jump balls in contested situations, showcasing impressive body control and strong hands. While not a burner, he possesses enough speed to create separation on intermediate routes.
Burton’s ability to win contested catches in the red zone makes him a valuable weapon for any quarterback. He can be a reliable target on third downs and in critical situations.
This Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft prioritizes building a strong foundation for the future. Addressing the offensive line with Latham ensures that the Raiders can protect their signal-caller, regardless of who they choose. T.J. Tampa injects youth and talent into the secondary, while Jermaine Burton provides much-needed depth at wide receiver. By prioritizing these needs, the Raiders take a significant step towards rebooting their roster and returning to Las Vegas the excitement it craves.