The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2024 NFL Draft, which begins on April 25, with several needs to fill on both sides of the ball.
With the draft being incredibly deep at Las Vegas’ positions of need that include offensive tackle, cornerback, and quarterback, general manager Tom Telesco should be able to snag an immediate starter on Day 1.
Here are the Raiders’ ideal picks for each of their biggest positions of need in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, whether they come via a trade up, a trade back, or with a stick-and-pick.
Raiders’ ideal first-round picks
Cornerback: Terrion Arnold, Alabama
With the departure of Amik Robertson in free agency, the Raiders desperately need a boundary corner opposite Jack Jones.
Alabama’s Terrion Arnold is arguably the best corner in the class after the 21-year-old allowed a 50.7 passer rating when targeted in 2023. Arnold’s long arms, pure cover ability and competitive fire make him a potential lockdown corner at the next level.
Alabama CB Terrion Arnold last season:
🐘 84.9 Coverage Grade
🐘 5 INTs | 13 PBUs
🐘 50.7 Passer Rating Allowed
🐘 90.6 Run Defense Grade pic.twitter.com/dwuwmAwdDT
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 17, 2024
Guard: Troy Fautanu, Washington
Though Fautanu played left tackle for most of his collegiate career, his 6-foot-3, 317-pound frame projects better on the interior. Fautanu stated that he took snaps at center and guard at the Senior Bowl, and even played some snaps at guard in 2021 and 2022 while at Washington.
No matter where he plays, Fautanu is an elite pass protector, scoring an 88.2 pass-blocking grade in his final collegiate season. The 23-year-old met with the Raiders before his Pro Day and would be a versatile cornerstone on James Cregg’s offensive line.
Troy Fautanu, G/OT, Washington (Senior)
Projected: 1st Round Pick
HEIGHT: 6’ 4’’
WEIGHT: 317 lbs
ARM: 34 1/2’’
HAND: 9 1/2”
40-Yard Dash: 5.01 Seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.71 Seconds
Vertical Jump: 32.5’’
Broad Jump: 9’ 5’’
✅Next Gen:
Production: 80 (7th)
Athleticism: 87 (2nd)… pic.twitter.com/NYvd0K0Q7X
— Dave Heilman (@DynastyDorks) April 15, 2024
Right Tackle: JC Latham, Alabama
The departure of Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency leaves a gaping hole at right tackle for Vegas. Alabama’s JC Latham boasts elite power and size at 6-foot-6 and 342 pounds, and is a dominant presence in the run and pass games.
Latham scored a 79.6 run-blocking grade in 2023 and was also rock-solid in pass protection, with an 81.7 pass-blocking grade. An immediate starter on the right side of the offensive line who could develop into a plus starter for Las Vegas.
great drive block from RT JC Latham. watch how the rep changes once he gets his backside knee going into the defender instead of shuffling sideways. add in the hand placement and buddy, we’re moving people. pic.twitter.com/ZZBar9zgqy
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) April 15, 2024
Quarterback: Drake Maye, North Carolina
Though Caleb Williams is the top quarterback in the class, he probably purchased a home in Chicago the minute Justin Fields got traded.
An excerpt from my Drake Maye Scouting Report video
I don’t think people understand how bad UNC is pic.twitter.com/A0M6OAOgdE
— Joe (@JoeA_NFL) February 26, 2024
Though Drake Maye isn’t the consensus QB2, the 21-year-old’s arm talent and size at 6-foot-4 make him an intriguing option for the Raiders. The probability of Maye falling to No. 13 is extremely low, but a potential trade-up scenario is in the realm of possibilities for Vegas.
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