Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Draft Outlook and Season Preview

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders and new General Manager  Tom Telesco are set to make pivotal decisions with eight draft picks, emphasizing strengthening the trenches and secondary. This year’s NFL draft will begin on April 25 in Detroit. The Raider’s selections will be crucial for shaping the team’s current and future success.

Draft Day Decisions

With the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders are in a solid position to secure an influential player to enhance their team’s roster. The historical performance of players selected for this position has been quite promising, with many developing into key contributors, such as Buccaneers All-Pro Tristan Wirfs, future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, and current Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez.

The Raiders have been linked to several potential picks who could make a significant impact. Quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr. have been frequently mentioned among the prospects due to their impressive performances at the NFL Combine and their potential fit with the Raiders’ offensive needs—additionally, edge rusher Jared Verse from Florida State and linebackers like Payton Wilson from N.C. State has also caught the Raiders’ interest, showing the team’s focus on strengthening their offensive and defensive units.

Raiders Biggest Need

Many draft experts believe the Raiders must address the quarterback position immediately. The Raiders have interviewed six quarterbacks, including Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix. While the team could pass on a quarterback and put their trust in Aidan O’Connell and recently acquired Gardner Minshew, the depth of this class and the pressure to win now indicates the Raiders will strongly consider picking a signal-caller.

The question is whether one of these quarterbacks will be there at 13. The Raiders may need to trade up to acquire a guy like McCarthy, Penix Jr., or Nix, given that Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels will likely go 1-2-3 to Chicago, Washington, and New England. Ahead of the Raiders, the Vikings and Broncos will likely select a quarterback, and the Giants are potentially considering one. Rumors are a team from behind the Raiders could move in front of them to choose a guy like Penix Jr. or Nix, such as the Seahawks or Rams.

Aside from quarterback, the Raiders could also address one of their other big needs at offensive tackle or cornerback. Some mocks have Alabama cornerback Terrior Arnold or Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga going to the Raiders. The Raiders can also address these weaknesses in the second and third rounds.

With NFL Draft betting circles closely watching how the Raiders might use their picks, the excitement around the draft is heightened by the Las Vegas Raiders game odds, which offer a speculative glimpse into their potential impact on the upcoming season.

As mock drafts and expert analyses highlight a diverse range of talents, the exact direction the Raiders will take remains a focal point of interest as draft day approaches, intriguing both fans and bettors alike.

Season Structure and Challenges

The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 season schedule is finalized, presenting a series of matchups testing their revamped roster and strategies. The Raiders will face various opponents, including division rivals and teams from the AFC and NFC. Notable games include home and away contests against their AFC West counterparts—the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers.

Additionally, the Raiders will host teams like the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The biggest challenges for the Raiders will come on the road, with visits to playoff teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Rams.

Overall, the Raiders’ 2024 season is structured to provide a balanced mix of high-stakes divisional games and cross-conference battles, setting the stage for an exciting and challenging NFL season.

New Additions and Coaching Impact

The Raiders have also welcomed new talents like Christian Wilkins, who are adding depth to their defense. The 2024 season marks the first season under Head Coach Antonio Pierce, whose leadership will be vital in navigating the team through the upcoming challenges. The coaching staff, including Getsy and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, is geared to enhance the team’s performance through strategic playmaking and robust defense.