Las Vegas Raiders' Draft Leaves Quarterbacks and Cornerbacks as Winners, But Raises Questions for Tight End and Offensive Line Positions

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ICARO Media Group
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28/04/2024 18h42

Now that the 2024 NFL Draft has come to a close, the Las Vegas Raiders have made some interesting moves that have left certain positions as winners while raising concerns for others. The biggest beneficiaries of the weekend are quarterbacks Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew, as the Raiders did not select a quarterback, solidifying their battle for the starting job during training camp.

The Raiders surprised many by not using a first-round pick on a quarterback, but instead, they focused on strengthening their current passers' options by bringing in tight end Brock Bowers from Georgia. Bowers is considered one of the best non-quarterbacks in this draft class and his impressive yards after catch (YAC) skills complement O'Connell's and Minshew's abilities.

However, the addition of Bowers may limit the opportunities for last year's second-round pick, tight end Mayer, to receive as many targets as he hoped for in the upcoming season. With another talented player in the mix, Mayer's role in the offense may be smaller than expected, although he will still have a place in the team.

Another winner of the draft for the Raiders is the cornerback position. Jack Jones and Brandon Facyson are likely to be the starting cornerbacks heading into training camp, as the Raiders only addressed the position on Day 3 of the draft. With the team's highest-drafted player at the position, Decamerion Richardson, considered a project, Jones and Facyson have a good chance of securing their starting roles.

The offensive line position also saw some winners and losers during the draft. Thayer Munford Jr. is expected to remain at right tackle and start for the Raiders, as the team selected an interior offensive lineman, Delmar Glaze, likely suited for the inside of the line. Munford, a seventh-round pick, has the opportunity to step up as the team's starter after a solid performance last season.

On the other hand, offensive lineman James Whitehair's chances of starting took a hit with the selection of Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round. Powers-Johnson has experience playing right guard and center, reducing Whitehair's competitive advantage in terms of versatility. The rookie is favored to earn the Week 1 starting job, putting pressure on Whitehair to prove himself.

Overall, the Raiders' draft strategy had its winners and losers. While the quarterbacks and cornerbacks emerged as the clear winners, the tight end and offensive line positions face uncertainties due to the new additions. With the team adding valuable players in various rounds, this draft marks a strong start for general manager Tom Telesco's tenure with the Raiders.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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