Now that we’re just days away from the NFL draft, let’s round up a couple of interesting choices for the Las Vegas Raiders from around the internet. In particular, ESPN and Pro Football Focus made some notable predictions.
In the last few days, we’ve seen some interesting things come to light. Obviously, none of it came from the Raiders themselves—mostly media talk and conjecture. The notion that the Raiders will find a way to land Jayden Daniels continues to make headlines, but nothing really concrete has emerged, though an NFC East reporter shot down the notion that the Washington Commanders would pass on Daniels with the No. 2 pick.
Even so, others believe that the Raiders simply wouldn’t give up that much draft capital for a quarterback when there are other pressing needs. Now, let’s see what publications around the football world are saying.
Should the Raiders draft a potential franchise right tackle?
ESPN’s Jordan Reid believes that the offensive line will be the point of emphasis in the first round. Let’s face it, it’s hard to argue with Reid on this one—the Raiders have been missing a franchise right tackle for years. Kolton Miller has been a stalwart on the left site, so it’s time for the team to pick up an anchor opposite him.
Taliese Fuaga will be the choice, according to Reid. To be honest, this may be as close as you can get to a “surefire” selection.
“Fuaga would be a plug-and-play option opposite left tackle Kolton Miller. Fuaga’s strength and physical temperament would be an asset to the Raiders’ front, as he gave up only one sack over his last two college seasons.”
If Aidan O’Connell is indeed the future, general manager Tom Telesco needs to make sure that his quarterback gets maximum protection due to his limited mobility. They’d be incredibly close to securing said protection with Fuaga and Miller watching O’Connell’s back.
Las Vegas makes a draft day trade…
While Raider Nation holds onto faith, PFF does believe the Raiders will make a trade—just not for Daniels. Sorry, guys.
A mock draft by a panel of PFF contributors shows Telesco moving up into the ninth spot—in case you forgot, the Chicago Bears own a second first-round pick (this is the one). By doing so, they’d be moving into position to draft Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
“With the top three quarterbacks gone, the Raiders move up to secure their future. J.J. McCarthy ranked 11th in non-play-action passes and passes beyond the sticks in 2023, and he maintained a 90.8 clean-pocket grade throughout his time at Michigan.”
Thoughts, Raider Nation? Either scenario sees the Raiders walking away winners on Day 1—either they draft a franchise right tackle or their quarterback of the future.
*Top Photo: Joe Rondone/The Republic