NEWSLETTER
The desert heat is rising in Las Vegas, and so are the expectations for the Raiders. The 2024 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the Silver and Black hold the 13th overall pick. Will they prioritize shoring up the offensive line to protect whoever takes snaps behind center? Or will they look to add their franchise quarterback? Buckle up, Raider fans, as we dissect the Raiders’ most pressing needs and explore the intriguing prospects they might target in the first round.
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Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft Needs
The Las Vegas Raiders have a few key areas they need to address during the upcoming NFL Draft if they expect to compete for an NFL Championship. Here’s a quick breakdown of their most glaring needs in this season’s NFL Draft.
Offensive Line (Right Tackle): This is a glaring need. Jermaine Eluemunor’s departure in free agency leaves a gaping hole at right tackle. They desperately need someone to play opposite Kolton Miller and possibly take over at left tackle if Miller isn’t extended beyond this season.
Quarterback (Long-Term Outlook): This is a question mark depending on the Raiders’ confidence in Aidan O’Connell and if Minshew Mania takes hold past this season. If they’re unsure about either being even a short-term answer, drafting a potential franchise quarterback could be tempting. However, with the pressing need on the offensive line, they might prioritize that position and groom O’Connell for another year.
Secondary (Cornerback): The Raiders’ secondary was a major liability last season. They struggled to contain opposing receivers, leading to big plays and defensive breakdowns. Drafting a talented cornerback who can lock down opponents and force turnovers is crucial for improving the defense.
Las Vegas Raiders Big Board
Sitting atop the Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft big board is probably a few offensive tackles considering they have yet to address the position in free agency. Although that is their number one priority heading into the draft, they could look to trade down from the 13th pick and draft their quarterback of the future or one of the best available secondary players. Let’s take a look at the top options for the Raiders in the first round.
JC Latham – Tackle, Alabama
The hulking right tackle from Alabama translates his impressive college pedigree into a tantalizing NFL prospect. At 6’6″ and well over 350 lbs, Latham boasts prototypical size and elite strength, routinely dominating the line of scrimmage. He effectively anchors against bull rushes, keeping defenders at bay with his long arms and powerful punch. Despite his size, Latham exhibits surprising athleticism for his position.
He displays light feet in his pass sets, mirroring edge rushers and maintaining clean pockets for quarterbacks. While his technique is still under refinement, his raw talent and ability to adapt to various blocking schemes make him a versatile asset. Latham has the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle, solidifying an offensive line and protecting a franchise quarterback for years to come.
Taliese Fuaga – Tackle, Oregon State
The offensive tackle from Oregon State has steadily risen through the ranks to become a coveted prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite a shorter-than-ideal arm length, Fuaga makes up for it with his impressive size (6’6″, 334 lbs) and exceptional quickness. He uses his burst off the snap to get into advantageous positions quickly, effectively shutting down pass rushers and creating running lanes. Fuaga’s powerful hands and aggressive blocking style make him a dominant run blocker, while his footwork and technique continue to improve in pass protection. His well-rounded skillset and dedication to improvement solidify Fuaga as a potential starter who can anchor an offensive line for years to come.
Las Vegas Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft
Olumuyiwa Fashanu – Tackle, Penn State
He checks all the boxes for a dominant blindside protector in the NFL. At 6’6″ and 312 lbs, he boasts an ideal frame with impressive length and athleticism. Fashanu’s movement skills shine, allowing him to mirror speed rushers and shut down power moves with his strong base and quick footwork. This translates to both stellar pass protection and the ability to pave the way for running backs in zone-blocking schemes. While he can occasionally struggle against bull rushes if his technique isn’t perfect, Fashanu’s overall skillset and coachable nature make him a good fit for the Raiders with the 13th overall pick as he’d be a plug and play right tackle.
Michael Penix Jr. – Quarterback, Washington
The gunslinger has emerged as a top NFL Draft prospect after a record-breaking college career. Blessed with a rocket arm and impressive accuracy, Penix throws a beautiful deep ball and possesses the arm strength to fit passes into tight windows. While excelling in vertical passing attacks, he’s also shown development in his pocket presence and decision-making, limiting interceptions. Penix’s leadership and competitiveness are evident on the field, as he thrives under pressure and elevates his teammates. With his dynamic skillset and room for further growth, Penix has the potential to be a franchise-altering quarterback in the right NFL system.
Quinyon Mitchell – Cornerback, Toledo
He has emerged as a rising star in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite being a three-star recruit coming out of high school, Mitchell blossomed at Toledo. At 6’0″ and 195 lbs, he boasts good size and play strength for the position. His greatest strength lies in his instincts and ball skills. He excels at reading quarterbacks and breaking on throws quickly, leading to a knack for interceptions (12 career picks). Mitchell displays impressive closing speed and leaping ability, allowing him to contest passes at the catch point and disrupt plays in the air. While he might benefit from further development in zone coverage, his overall skillset makes him a potential lockdown corner who can contribute immediately in the NFL.
