Hot Takes, Predictions for Raiders Rookies After 2024 NFL Draft
The Las Vegas Raiders' first draft under head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco was an interesting one, to say the least. The Raiders didn't reach for obvious needs early—or chase a rookie quarterback in Round 1—instead choosing to maximize overall value.
It was a smart approach for a franchise in the early stages of a rebuild. Las Vegas was able to take it, thanks to some savvy free-agent signings—like those of quarterback Gardner Minshew and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
This doesn't mean, however, that the Raiders' rookie won't contribute in 2024. The roster is stronger now than it was going into the weekend, and the team will be better for it.
What can fans expect from Las Vegas' 2024 rookie class? You'll find a few hot takes and early predictions below.
Draft Results
1 of 4Raiders Draft Order and Selections
- Round 1 (No. 13): Brock Bowers, Georgia
- Round 2 (No. 44):
IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
- Round 3 (No. 77):
IOL Delmar Glaze, Maryland
- Round 4 (No. 112):
CB Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi State
- Round 5 (No. 148):
LB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
- Round 6 (No. 208):
RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
- Round 7 (No. 223):
S Trey Taylor, Air Force
- Round 7 (No. 229): CB MJ Devonshire, Pittsburgh
Brock Bowers Will Be an OROY Candidate
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While the Raiders didn't make their move for a quarterback, Telesco admitted that it was under consideration.
"We kind of had a plan to do maybe move up if the opportunity was there," Telesco said, per Levi Edwards of the team's official website. "It wasn't there, kept moving."
Instead, the Raider grabbed Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, who was the second-ranked prospect at any position, according to the Bleacher Report Scouting Department. An explosive pass-catcher with legitimate after-the-catch ability, Bowers will instantly earn a prominent role in the Raiders offense.
Sorry, Michael Mayer.
Las Vegas got an incredible value by landing Bowers at No. 13, and it is getting an immediate star. Whether Gardner Minshew or Aidan O'Connell wins the QB competition, the Raiders will have serviceable quarterback play. And with Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers on the perimeter, opposing defenses won't be able to regularly double Bowers.
Bowers should be in line for a rookie season not unlike that of Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (889 yards, 10 TDs), and his upside is higher.
New Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. or new Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams may quickly become the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but Bowers will be in the conversation.
The Offensive Line Will Be a Strength in 2024
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The Raiders came into the draft with their anchor left tackle in Kolton Miller and a standout center in Andre James. They added a potential franchise guard in Round 2 by taking Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson.
Powers-Johnson was the 23rd-ranked prospect on the B/R Scouting Department's draft board, and he has all the tools needed to start right away and grow on the field.
"He does have a few technical aspects of his game to clean up, but his physical traits and makeup should allow him to start right away at either center or guard without being dependent on scheme while providing Pro Bowl potential within his first contract," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
The Raiders came back in Round 3 to take Maryland's Delmar Glaze. While Glaze may move inside at the next level, he was a three-year starter in college and earned experience at both tackle spots.
Glaze will likely challenge Thayer Munford Jr. at right tackle as a rookie. At worst, he'll be a valuable backup who provides depth at both tackle and guard.
Pierce seems to want to build a tough, physical team that can win at the line of scrimmage, and the Raiders are well on their way to having one. They may still be a piece away from having a truly elite offensive line, but the unit will be a team strength in 2024.
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Dylan Laube Will See More Rookie Action Than Zamir White Did
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Two years ago, the Raiders used a fourth-round pick on running back Zamir White. It seemed, at the time, like Las Vegas had found a quality complement to then-starter Josh Jacobs.
However, Jacobs rarely came off the field when healthy, and White really didn't get a chance to shine until this past season. The projected 2024 starter saw just 17 carries as a rookie.
Don't expect sixth-round pick Dylan Laube to wait as long for his opportunity. The New Hampshire product isn't special in any one area, but his play style and skill set mesh perfectly with the Raiders' developing identity.
"The 5'10", 206-pound ball-carrier is never going to be the fastest, strongest or most athletic player on the field," Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski wrote after he was selected. "But he runs so hard at all times, with good vision to find holes and create positive yardage."
Laube is an effort player who will fit right into Pierce's coveted physical, gritty offense. He's also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield who may quickly overtake free-agent addition Alexander Mattison as the No. 2 option.
While Laube won't vie for any end-of-season awards, he'll have a much bigger rookie impact than White ever got a chance to have.
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