Raiders' Team Needs to Fill in 2024 NFL Draft

While the Las Vegas Raiders haven't gone overboard in 2024 free agency, they've certainly been active.

Las Vegas made a couple of big early splashes when it signed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and quarterback Gardner Minshew. Wilkins will help give the Raiders a powerful defensive front, while Minshew gives the team an experienced quarterback and some draft flexibility at the position.

The Raiders can add a rookie quarterback to a room that now features Minshew and Aidan O'Connell, but they won't be forced to reach at the position to do it.

With the draft a little more than a month away, though, Las Vegas still has holes to fill. It has eight total selections with which to work, including the 13th overall pick.

Here, we'll examine the Raiders' biggest remaining needs and some top prospects to consider over draft weekend.

Quarterback

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Michigan QB prospect J.J. McCarthy

With O'Connell and Minshew in the fold, it won't be a complete disaster if the Raiders exit the draft without a new quarterback of the future. O'Connell was mostly steady as a rookie, and Minshew is one of the better backups and spot-starters in the league.

A playoff run is entirely fathomable with that duo leading the depth chart.

However, neither O'Connell nor Minshew has shown enough to suggest that the Raiders shouldn't be interested in upgrading the position. A lot will hinge on how the beginning of Round 1 unfolds and whether drafting a quarterback early is realistic.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Raiders were exploring the option of trading up for a quarterback during the scouting combine.

Should a prospect like LSU's Jayden Daniels or Michigan's J.J. McCarthy fall to within reasonable trade range for the Raiders, making a move would make sense. Minshew is well-suited for the bridge role, and O'Connell can provide value as a long-term backup.

Landing a quarterback in Round 1 would give Las Vegas a high-upside quarterback to develop for the future. The QB class isn't particularly deep, but the Raiders could also consider a prospect like Washington's Michael Penix Jr. or Oregon's Bo Nix.

Given the talent at the top, Las Vegas should take a chance this year if the cost is sensible. If an early run at the position makes it illogical, the Raiders can always start eyeing the 2025 class.

Offensive Tackle

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Alabama OT prospect JC Latham

If the Raiders don't target a quarterback in Round 1, offensive tackle would be a logical position to consider. Las Vegas lost starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency and needs a new long-term starter.

2022 seventh-round pick Thayer Munford Jr. showed a lot of growth in Year 2 and played admirably while filling in at both left and right tackle. However, there some truly intriguing tackle prospects should be available in the middle of Round 1—like Alabama's JC Latham.

"He needs added patience to counterbalance his attacking play style, but he has the tools, skill set and runway to start in year one with Pro Bowl potential within his first contract," Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote of Latham.

If the Raiders want to build a powerful offensive line, Latham would help do it. He'd form a potentially elite tandem with Miller and allow Las Vegas to utilize Munford as a top-tier swing tackle.

Munford's presence gives the Raiders some insurance at the position, though, so taking a chance on more of a developmental tackle—like Washington's Roger Rosengarten—on Day 2 is a viable option.

Cornerback

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Alabama CB prospect Kool-Aid McKinstry

The Raiders were in need of cornerback help entering free agency, and they've done nothing to address the position. If the Minshew signing signals that Las Vegas doesn't view drafting a Round 1 QB as realistic, the Raiders may already be eyeing top corners.

Las Vegas ranked a solid 12th in passing yards allowed last season, but it doesn't have a premier cover corner on the roster.

A prospect like Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry would be a fine target at No. 13.

"His skills are undeniable and gives defensive coordinators the versatility to play multiple schemes. Look for him to be a starter early in his career," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

Alabama's Terrion Arnold and Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell would also be sensible selections in the middle of Round 1. Corners like Oregon's Khyree Jackson and Iowa State's T.J. Tampa would provide good value in Round 2.

This year's cornerback class is a bit top-heavy, so it would behoove the Raiders to target the position sooner than later. As is the case at quarterback and tackle, though, Las Vegas has done a good enough job of developing depth to have flexibility at the top of the draft.