Top NFL Draft Prospects Raiders Must Watch During 2023-24 CFB Bowl Season

The Las Vegas Raiders feel like they could go in a variety of directions with their 2024 first-round draft pick.

The Raiders' offseason plan is one big open-ended question at the moment since they need to hire a head coach first.

The quarterback situation is not great, but the Raiders could still have faith in Jimmy Garoppolo and they will be too low in the draft order to land one of the premier quarterbacks.

Josh Jacobs is set to hit free agency at the moment, and if the Raiders can't come to an agreement with the running back, that may be a position of need in the draft.

Wide receivers could also be looked at in the first round depending on if Davante Adams is on the roster come April.

At this moment, all the Raiders can do is finalize the scouting reports on top prospects playing in bowl games so the new staff is as prepared as possible to attack the draft.

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 18: Kool-Aid McKinstry #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half aginast the Chattanooga Mocs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

The Raiders must take a deep look at the Alabama Crimson Tide secondary during the Rose Bowl.

Kool-Aid McKinstry is considered one of the best cornerback prospects in the country, and he will likely be available whenever the Raiders pick.

Las Vegas currently holds the No. 11 pick in the first round, but that could change a few spots in either direction depending on the results of the next five weeks.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler projected McKinstry would be the No. 18 pick in his November mock draft.

McKinstry will not be tested by Michigan as much as he was in the SEC because the Wolverines love to run the ball.

He needs to be strong in the chances he gets to break up passes, and he could show off his tackling skills around the line of scrimmage as well.

Las Vegas needs help at a lot of positions, but if it is able to select a lockdown cornerback for the next decade in the first round, it would go a long way in building up the franchise's foundation.

Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 02: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines runs the ball for a touchdown in the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter during the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Blake Corum could be the best NFL prospect at running back that plays during bowl season.

Corum is Michigan's leading rusher and he is expected to receive a ton of carries in the Rose Bowl against Alabama.

Corum put together consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Wolverines, but because of the mileage on his legs, he will likely not be a first-round selection.

Las Vegas could have eyes on Corum as a potential second-or-third-round pick to either replace Jacobs or provide support for the No. 1 running back if he returns on a new deal.

Corum's draft stock could be boosted throughout the College Football Playoff, especially if he thrives against a SEC front seven in the Rose Bowl.

He is guaranteed to play in a bowl while other top running backs may opt out. Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson and Florida State's Trey Benson are among the other running backs to watch in the draft class.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 01: Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) back to pass during the PAC-12 Football Championship Game between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington Huskies on December 01, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Raiders could be in the mix for the second tier of quarterback prospects..

Washington's Michael Penix Jr. fits into that group. He could be chosen in the teens depending on how the draft plays out.

The Heisman Trophy finalist will get a chance to wow NFL scouts in the Sugar Bowl against the Texas Longhorns and potentially in the CFB Playoff National Championship Game.

The new Raiders head coach could choose to move on from Garoppolo and Aidan O'Connell in favor of one of the top collegiate arms.

Las Vegas may not be willing to trade up to land Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, so Penix could realistically be one of their top targets.

Of course, that is all dependent on the new coaching staff, but the Raiders front office should at least do its due diligence on Penix in case that change happens.