Las Vegas Raiders (Last Year: 8-9)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Raiders don’t have a quarterback at the moment, so they could draft one at No. 13. It would be ideal if they could somehow leapfrog the Vikings for Drake Maye, but that may not be realistic. If the Raiders don’t move up, trading back would make sense in order to accumulate more picks.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Raiders neither selected a quarterback nor traded down from No. 13. Instead, they obtained an elite player at that pick. It must have been quite the shock that Brock Bowers was available, and it was a smart decision to draft him. The Raiders were wise to view Michael Mayer as a sunk cost in the process, though it helped that the current regime didn’t draft Mayer.
The Raiders didn’t come away with a quarterback, but they still have a young player at the position in Aidan O’Connell, who showed brilliant flashes at times as a rookie. He’ll be helped by the auditions of Bowers, Jackson Powers-Johnson and Dylan Laube, with the latter two being steals at positions of need. The Raiders also found two solid bargains on the defensive side of the ball when they chose Tommy Eichenberg and Marlon Devonshire.
I’m a big fan of the Raiders’ draft, with only one pick (Delmar Glaze) scoring worse than a “B” grade. Again, there was no quarterback, but the Raiders were never in position to draft one, thanks to Atlanta’s stupidity. Instead, the Raiders strengthened their roster, giving them a chance to compete for a playoff spot in 2024.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
13. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia – A Grade
So much for Michael Mayer. I don’t really care that the Raiders drafted Mayer last year because A) Mayer sucked as a rookie, and B) this is a new front office. Brock Bowers makes the most sense as the best player available. I love this pick, as Bowers will be a great threat for whomever the Raiders find to play quarterback.
44. Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon – A+ Grade
What a steal by the Raiders. Jackson Powers-Johnson easily could have gone at the end of the first round, so they did a great job of getting him with this pick. The offensive line has been a weak spot for the Raiders for a long time, but Powers-Johnson will be able to help improve that dreadful situation.
77. Delmar Glaze, OT, Maryland – D Grade
On one hand, I like that the Raiders are adding to their weak offensive line. On the other hand … why Delmar Glaze? The Maryland product was considered a day-three prospect, so this is too early for him. Glaze is considered a backup swing tackle for the pros.
112. Decamerion Richardson, CB, Mississippi State – B Grade
Decamerion Richardson is a very raw prospect, but he possesses great upside and athleticism. I like taking a risk like this here to fill a major need at cornerback.
148. Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State – B+ Grade
Tommy Eichenberg is a two-down linebacker who will help the Raiders improve against the run. The Raiders already had the great pass rush, but they needed to improve versus the rush. Eichenberg, who could have gone a bit earlier than this, will bolster that area.
208. Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire – A Grade
This is a steal for the Raiders, as Dylan Laube could have been chosen late in the third round without any complaints. The Raiders needed to find another running back, and they’re doing that with a great receiver out of the backfield.
223. Trey Taylor, S, Air Force – B Grade
A safety and a special-teamer makes sense for the Raiders here in the seventh round. Taylor was projected around this area, so this pick earns a solid “B” grade.
229. Marlon Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh – A+ Grade
Marlon Devonshire could have been chosen as early as the fourth round, so here’s a steal for the Raiders at a position of need. Devonshire projects as a slot cornerback in the NFL.
Season Summary:
The Raiders were much better in the second half of the season after they fired Josh McDaniels. Their defense was excellent, and they even had a chance to reach the playoffs.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Quarterback: Aidan O’Connell had some decent performances down the stretch when he replaced Jimmy Garoppolo. The Raiders will probably want to add an upgrade, however. Signed Gardner Minshew
- Right Tackle: The Raiders wanted Paris Johnson in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the Cardinals sniped them. They may want to fix their right tackle issue this offseason.
- Two Defensive Tackles: Las Vegas had a great defense, but the interior linemen were a liability. Jerry Tillery saw major snaps, which is a sign of how bad things were. Signed Christian Wilkins
- Two Interior Offensive Linemen: The Raiders need a guard and a potential replacement for Andre James, who is headed for free agency.
- Cornerback: Marcus Peters and Nate Hobbs played well for the Raiders last year, but another cornerback is needed.
- Linebacker: Another linebacker should be added to pair with Robert Spillane.
- Running Back: Josh Jacobs is an impending free agent. Zamir White was solid down the stretch, but the Raiders may want to add some competition.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Las Vegas Raiders Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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