The Las Vegas Raiders are thought to be a possible “mover” in a blockbuster trade for a star player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
With the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft order, the Las Vegas Raiders are currently well out of position to select one of the top players in this year’s class. But there’s increasing talk that Las Vegas might make a move by draft night as the NFL Combine draws near.
Following the announcement of Antonio Pierce as head coach and the appointment of Tom Telesco as general manager, talk has centred on the Raiders roster and possible draft picks. J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines appeared to be a strong candidate to be selected with the 13th overall pick at one point.
But now, it’s expected that McCarthy will leave before Las Vegas gets a chance to select him. In order to replace starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell in 2024, Telesco and Pierce may need to be more aggressive given the likelihood that four quarterbacks will be selected in the first 12 picks.
The Raiders “could be a mover and shaker” around draft time, according to ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, who appeared on SportsCenter. Pierce is especially high on LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels.
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The current Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels, is thought to be a lock to go in the top six of the 2024 NFL Draft. Daniels lacks the polished passing ability of Drake Maye or Caleb Williams, but his exceptional athleticism and arm strength give him the foundation upon which an offence can be built.
The Raiders’ front office is taking into consideration the possibility of trading up for the third overall pick, according to Fowler.
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Daniels has a history of being associated with Las Vegas. When the head coach of the Raiders was Arizona State’s recruiting coordinator, he developed a close bond with Pierce. Between 2018 and 2019, the two established a solid bond that endures to this day.
The New England Patriots are willing to trade down even though Fowler doesn’t mention the possible expense of going up to the third overall pick. But at the very least, Las Vegas would have to give up first- and second-round selections in 2024 and 2025. If Las Vegas is unable to make a move for Daniels, it may consider starting O’Connell again in 2024 with a rookie quarterback selected on the second day of the draft.
