In the 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders secure their cornerstone quarterback by selecting Drake Maye.
This edition of Inside the War Room delves into the Las Vegas Raiders’ potential strategies for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, offers a glimpse into the current quarterback class, and covers various other topics.
The Las Vegas Raiders are basking in the glory of their most impressive victory this season, a stunning 63-21 triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite Aidan O’Connell’s stellar performance, there’s a palpable realization that he may not be the permanent quarterback solution for the team. Consequently, expect the Raiders to eye one of the top quarterbacks available in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
In this edition of “Inside the War Room,” a Raiders mock draft is unveiled alongside a closer look at five other potential draft picks for the team. The article not only delves into Las Vegas’ potential strategies for the April draft but also offers insights into the 2024 NFL Draft quarterback class, identifies a player who might benefit from returning to college next year, and more.
Las Vegas Raiders Mock Draft
1. First Round Pick No. 12: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Despite projections placing North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye as the second overall pick, the Raiders foresee him slipping in the draft. With LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels anticipated to rise to the second spot, Maye could become the third quarterback selected.
2. Second Round Pick No. 43: Chris Braswell, OLB, Alabama
Although tempted to pursue a cornerback, the Raiders opt for edge defender Chris Braswell due to his remarkable potential. In his debut season as a starter, Braswell registered eight sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, showcasing immense promise and athleticism.
3. Third Round Pick No. 74: Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami
Continuing to fortify their front seven, the Raiders secure Miami’s defensive tackle Leonard Taylor, despite concerns regarding his production and injury history. Taylor’s adeptness as a situational pass rusher and impressive performance stats bolster his appeal.
4. Fourth Round Pick No. 112: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
To address potential gaps at right tackle, the Raiders snag Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher, a capable player poised to step in as a rookie right tackle for the team.
5. Fifth Round Pick No. 145: Johnny Dixon, CB, Penn State
Recognizing the team’s need for cornerbacks, the Raiders acquire Penn State’s Johnny Dixon, regarded as one of the Big Ten’s standout corners.
6. Sixth Round Pick No. 202: Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Adding to their offensive line, the Raiders select Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson, an imposing guard bringing physicality and agility to the table.
7. Seventh Round Picks: M.J. Devonshire (CB, Pittsburgh), Gabe Hall (DT, Baylor), and Andre Carter (DE, Indiana)
In the final rounds, the Raiders focus on bolstering their defensive line and cornerback positions with selections from Pittsburgh, Baylor, and Indiana, respectively.
Five More Players the Las Vegas Raiders Should Consider
1. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Regarded as an electrifying quarterback with a versatile skill set, Jayden Daniels could be a viable option for the Raiders if available.
2. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Should the Raiders miss out on top-tier quarterbacks, Notre Dame’s Joe Alt emerges as a potential immediate starter at right tackle for Las Vegas.
3. Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe, a Consensus All-American, represents an upgrade at right guard and a valuable second-round consideration for the team.
4. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
With cornerback needs in focus, explosive corner Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo emerges as a viable option for the Raiders’ secondary.
5. Jay Higgins, MLB, Iowa
Iowa’s Jay Higgins, a late-round prospect, exhibits a knack for finding the ball and could add depth to the Raiders’ linebacker unit.
Previewing the 2024 NFL Draft Quarterback Class
– Top Player: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Caleb Williams remains the top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, boasting exceptional playmaking abilities that could propel him to become one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
– Standout: Bo Nix, Oregon
Though projected as a late first-round pick by some and a third-round option by others, Oregon’s Bo Nix impresses with his accuracy, athleticism, and potential value if available in the later rounds.
– Overrated: J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
J.J. McCarthy’s struggles in critical moments raise concerns about his consistency and performance down the stretch, despite his touted raw talent, likely leading to a late first or second-round selection.
– Sleeper: Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
Spencer Rattler, carrying a day-three grade, boasts exceptional natural talent but requires refinement in footwork, pocket presence, and reading defenses for NFL readiness.
– Risky Pick: Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Michael Penix Jr.’s injury history, marked by multiple ACL tears and limited game appearances, poses a significant risk for potential NFL suitors, despite his passing abilities.
– Breakout Player: Jayden Daniels, LSU
Jayden Daniels has answered doubts about his passing capabilities and emerged as a top-ten prospect after a remarkable season, showcasing both passing and rushing prowess.
NFL Draft Scouting Notes
– The quarterback class in the 2024 NFL Draft exhibits a top-heavy distribution, with a limited number of draftable prospects but a notable concentration of top-tier talents.
– Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka might benefit from another college season to recover from injuries and emerge as a top receiver, given his limited impact and a stacked wide receiver class.
– Michigan’s Roman Wilson and Blake Corum’s performances have been inconsistent, with Wilson struggling in recent games and Corum facing challenges in explosiveness post-injury.
– The Houston Texans seek to enhance their passing game and could target LSU’s Brian Thomas in the second round to bolster their receiving corps alongside Nico Collins.
NFL Draft Quotes
– Spencer Rattler emphasizes his commitment to South Carolina, expressing his dedication to contributing to the program’s growth and transformation.
– Praise for Terrion, an adaptable player who has faced multiple positional challenges, highlighting his coverage skills and adaptability amid team injuries.
