As of right now, the official 2024 NFL Draft is less than a week away, which should excite Raiders supporters. I believe that the Raiders only need a couple more picks in this draft to be competitive in the playoffs in 2024.
This year’s draft is chock full of talent in a wide variety of positions. Having stated that, let’s examine my top five picks for the Raiders in Round 1 prospects. If they select any of these five guys in the draft, I think they will be on the correct track and cannot make a mistake.
Raiders NFL Draft: Ranking the top-5 prospects for Las Vegas
Terrion Arnold
Arnold is unquestionably one of the fastest and most disruptive cornerbacks in this draft class, and he would fit in perfectly with the Raiders defensive system. Arnold is a guy that the Raiders are reportedly quite fond of, and I think they could select him at pick 13.
As everyone knows, Pierce is a huge fan of defence. The previous season, Arnold started all 14 games, was tied for seventh in the FBS with 17 passes defended (12 pass breakups), and had five interceptions.
Byron Murphy II
Although it’s possible, I’m not sure whether the Raiders could grab Murphy at number 13. They might need to move up a few spots. But it would undoubtedly be worthwhile. This would totally lock down the defensive line after bringing in free agent DT Christian Wilkins.
He’s not much of a run-stuffer, though, unlike most defensive tackles, make no mistake about it. Murphy is a strong, speedy guy who enjoys getting to the quarterback and interfering. He also uses a motor that is comparable to that of Raiders star DE Maxx Crosby. He would make a fantastic combination with Wilkins and Crosby.
Taliese Fuaga
Fuaga is incredibly versatile and will be ready to go from day one. Without having to trade up, the Raiders ought to be able to acquire him at pick 13. He can play guard when necessary in addition to tackle. Along with his length, high IQ, fast feet, and superior strength, he offers a forceful mindset. If you need a tackle or guard in this draft, he’s the complete deal.
Michael Penix Jr.
Let’s be clear, If Michael Penix Jr didn’t get injured multiple times in his early college years, we would be talking about him being a top three to five pick overall in this draft easily. He has all the talent in the world, and he’s been healthy the last two seasons, and when healthy, he can sling the ball as good as anyone in this draft class.
Yes, even Caleb Williams.
And in my opinion, Michael Penix might even be the best deep ball thrower in this entire draft. His deep ball is very pretty and accurate, and he does it almost effortlessly, with just a flick of the wrist. Even more impressive, he’s left handed.
He would be an excellent fit for the Raiders and they should be able to get him at pick 13 without having to trade up, or maybe even in the top 17-20 range if they choose to double dip in the first round and maybe get a tackle first like Fuaga mentioned in the last slide, then trade back up in the late first round for Penix Jr.
Jayden Daniels
Of all the quarterbacks in this draft class, Jayden Daniels possesses the strongest rushing ability and fundamentals. He may perhaps have the best mobility since current Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Although he has excellent arm talent, it’s his mobility as a rusher and his ability to break free from pressure that truly wears down an opposition defence.
However, Jayden Daniels is a bit of a pipe dream and a long shot for the Raiders. They might not be able to move up as much as they would need to in order to get to the top two or three overall picks out of thirteen. Although it would be difficult to move up ten or more slots, it would be well worth it if they could.
Daniels would be a fantastic fit to lead the silver and black back to glory because he also has tight ties to current Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce and current Raiders cornerback Jack Jones from their previous careers
