The 2024 NFL Draft is shortly approaching, and the Las Vegas Raiders are ready so as to add some foundational items to the roster that may assist new head coach Antonio Pierce execute his imaginative and prescient.
Las Vegas has eight draft picks, with its first choice being No. 13 total. The roster has quite a few wants, notably offensively, because the Raiders might go in just a few completely different instructions.
It’s by no means a nasty thought to spend money on the offensive line, particularly for Pierce who has already mentioned he desires to play powerful and bodily soccer up entrance. Nevertheless, the most important want is at quarterback as Las Vegas doesn’t have a long-term resolution on the place.
One identify that’s been linked to the Silver and Black is South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler whom the Raiders reportedly registered curiosity in earlier than his Professional Day by way of Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report:
South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler stays an intriguing prospect as a Spherical 2 choose. Workforce quarterback rankings range, and in some circumstances, Rattler is ranked larger than anticipated.
The Senior Bowl MVP drew curiosity from half the league in latest weeks, together with the #Raiders the… pic.twitter.com/OpNRehk95s
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 17, 2024
With Las Vegas reportedly eyeing both an offensive lineman or a cornerback, Rattler is perhaps in consideration for the workforce later within the draft. Rattler is taken into account to be a Day 2 choose which makes him a viable goal for Las Vegas both at No. 44 or No. 77.
Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 210 kilos, Rattler is on the smaller facet for an NFL quarterback however confirmed endurance and toughness throughout his 4 years in school. He’s additionally a serviceable runner when the pocket breaks down, although he a lot prefers to take a seat within the pocket and permit for performs to develop.
Assuming the Raiders don’t commerce up within the first spherical to take one of many highly-coveted quarterbacks, Rattler is sensible as a dart throw. Whereas he would probably sit behind Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell in rookie season, he would possibly be capable of develop right into a serviceable starter down the road.
Aidan O’Connell trying ahead to competing for Raiders’ beginning quarterback job
O’Connell stepped in halfway by means of the 2023 season after Pierce took over as interim and confirmed actual flashes of what he can do on the skilled stage. The Raiders signed Minshew in free company, however that hasn’t deterred O’Connell who mentioned he’s trying ahead to competing for the beginning job.