The Las Vegas Raiders are considering drafting a quarterback within the upcoming NFL Draft, with appreciable hypothesis linking them to Michael Penix Jr. within the newest mock drafts for his or her thirteenth total decide (at the moment, the perfect betting websites have the Raiders deciding on Penix). Regardless of this, the workforce’s instant wants embrace bolstering the appropriate facet of their offensive line and enhancing their cornerback place.
Aidan O’Connell, who assumed beginning duties final November, and Gardner Minshew II, who signed this offseason after a stint with the Colts, display that competent quarterbacks might be discovered later within the draft—each have been mid-round picks who’ve confirmed their price as NFL starters. This would possibly affect the Raiders to think about drafting a quarterback within the later rounds if deciding on Penix early appears too dangerous.
South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler is one other quarterback the Raiders would possibly goal within the center rounds. This might enable them to handle different positional wants earlier. NFL analyst Greg Cosell famous that Rattler’s growth would profit from enhancing his pocket-passing abilities.
Along with their quarterback issues, the Raiders are additionally evaluating different prospects, together with defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo from LSU and linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio from Washington, who might add depth and talent to their defensive roster. The workforce’s pre-draft actions, together with internet hosting visits with high quarterbacks like Penix and Bo Nix from Oregon, point out a strategic method to their draft choices with out revealing a transparent choice.
Evaluations and Interviews
Because the 2024 NFL Draft approaches subsequent Thursday, the depth round workforce preparations is palpable, significantly for the Las Vegas Raiders. The workforce is within the last phases of its analysis course of, having accomplished the final of its participant interviews and analysis visits.
These interactions, which have been ongoing over the earlier month, vary from routine checks to vital evaluations, with some visits being extra telling than others. Under is an expanded have a look at the 4 most important visits the Raiders have hosted till this previous Sunday, showcasing potential important additions to their roster.
Bo Nix (QB), Oregon
The go to of Bo Nix to the Raiders, as reported by Albert Breer, got here only a day after Penix’s, fueling the talk over which Pac-12 quarterback would finest match the Raiders’ scheme. The back-to-back scheduling of those visits suggests a deliberate technique by the Raiders to evaluate their choices totally with out tipping their hand on their most well-liked selection for the quarterback place.
Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB), Washington
Inside the strategic framework of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio might emerge as a big asset. Ulofoshio, together with his exceptional athleticism (9.67 Relative Athletic Rating) and superior protection capabilities (90.4 protection grade from Professional Soccer Focus), provides substantial promise. Though his run protection might use refinement, Ulofoshio’s deep connections to Las Vegas—he spent a number of early life within the metropolis—and the chance to develop underneath veterans like Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo place him as a potential cornerstone for the Raiders’ linebacker corps.
Michael Penix Jr. (QB), Washington
The Raiders’ curiosity in quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was confirmed when he introduced a scheduled go to following his professional day. The workforce’s pursuit of Penix underscores their must solidify the quarterback place, a pivotal aspect of their offensive technique. Penix’s ongoing engagement with the Raiders all through the pre-draft course of highlights his potential to play a vital position in shaping the workforce’s future.
Braden Fiske (DT), Florida State
One other notable prospect, defensive sort out Braden Fiske, visited the Raiders earlier within the month. His distinctive exhibiting on the NFL Mix, marked by a 9.89 Relative Athletic Rating, has established him as one of many premier inside go rushers on this draft class. Whereas Fiske performs the same place to present Raider Christian Wilkins, his potential choice might considerably improve the workforce’s line of defense capabilities, particularly if he slides within the draft or the Raiders seize the chance to draft him.
These visits illustrate the Raiders’ proactive method to bolstering their lineup with skills that match their instant wants and provide long-term advantages. The approaching days will reveal which prospects have made sufficient of an impression to doubtlessly name Las Vegas their new dwelling.
