NEWSLETTER
The 2024 NFL Draft is closing in and the Raiders are almost on the clock. This three-round mock draft gives a picture of what Las Vegas may do to build for the future after a tumultuous 2023 season.
The Raiders ended 2023 with a 5-4 record under Antonio Pierce but their defense got a r recent boost via free-agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. They also added quarterback Gardner Minshew, but drafting a quarterback who can beat out Minshew and incumbent Aidan O’Connell should be a priority for this team. Losing rusher Josh Jacobs during free agency is a large loss, and for now, it’s looking like Zamir White will read the RB room. The team’s biggest needs heading into April’s draft are cornerback, offensive tackle, and guard. Here’s a look at what picks the Raiders boast in 2024.
2024 NFL Draft Picks: Las Vegas Raiders
Here’s a breakdown of a 2024 NFL Mock Draft for the Las Vegas Raiders, using the PFF Mock Draft simulator, focusing on the first three rounds.
MORE 3-Round Mock Drafts: Kansas City Chiefs l Carolina Panthers l Miami Dolphins l Tampa Bay Buccaneers l Chicago Bears l Pittsburgh Steelers l San Francisco 49ers l New England Patriots l Buffalo Bills l Green Bay Packers l Denver Broncos l Detroit Lions l Houston Texans l Jacksonville Jaguars l New Orleans Saints
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Las Vegas Raiders
Photo by: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1, Pick 13: Taliese Fuaga (OT) Oregon St
With all the top quarterbacks likely gone here, the Raiders go with an elite tackle in Taliese Fuaga. At 6’6″, 334 pounds, he’s the prototypical size and build for an NFL tackle and he boasts the skillset to match. Fuaga’s run-game prowess is exceptional, setting a physical tone upfront.
Selecting Fuaga secures the right tackle spot for the future and paired with Kolton Miller, the Raiders would feature one of the strongest tackle combinations in the league.
PFF graded this mock draft pick a solid A as Fuaga is their second-ranked tackle in this year’s draft class and No. 12 on their Big Board.
Round 2, Pick 44: Michael Penix (QB) Washington
He may not be there and Las Vegas could trade up a few picks to get him, but Michael Penix Jr. was available in this particular simulation so I took him at pick No. 44. It’s no secret that the Raiders are in need of their quarterback for the future and Penix could be their guy.
He’s the desirable blend of athleticism, passing accuracy, and a high football IQ. With Garnder Minshew and Aidan O’Connell already on the roster, there’s a cushion if Penix needs time to develop, but we can assume he’d get a chance to compete for the starting gig this summer.
This selection received an A from the PFF mock draft simulator, as Penix is their 46th overall ranked player and the sixth-best quarterback in this draft class.
MORE: Check out 4for4 for all your fantasy football needs & the latest expert betting picks.
Round 3, Pick 77: Max Melton (CB) Rutgers
Drafting a cornerback in this spot addresses another need for the Raiders, who could use help on the outside opposite Jack Jones. Max Melton is a scheme-versatile player with desirable metrics and plenty of experience. He possesses the ability to disrupt at the line along with an instinct for ball tracking.
PPF gave this pick a B+ in the third round. Melton is their 80th-ranked overall prospect and the 11th-highest-ranked cornerback in the 2024 draft class.
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