Las Vegas Raiders 7-round mock draft: 3 ways Tom Telesco could bring the franchise back to winning ways in 2024 NFL draft

Despite relocating from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020, the Raiders have struggled to achieve consistent success. In the four seasons since their move, they have only made the playoffs once and have been hindered by lackluster performances from quarterbacks Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo. This has resulted in missed opportunities to capitalize on the prime years of defensive standout Maxx Crosby.

In preparation for 2024, coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco face a daunting challenge. The Kansas City Chiefs have achieved back-to-back Super Bowl victories, the Los Angeles Chargers are entering unfamiliar territory with Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz, and the Denver Broncos are in the process of rebuilding. Therefore, the Raiders must make strategic selections in the upcoming Draft.

Las Vegas Raiders 2021 Mock Draft Version 1.0

The initial iteration involves the Raiders taking bold action on the offensive side, selecting Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy with the 13th overall pick and trading up to the 19th spot to secure Georgia tackle Amarius Mims for enhanced protection.

Despite this, they will not be able to strengthen their defense until the 112th pick, when most of the top DT and CB prospects will have already been selected.

In the event that happens, they may have to resort to Braden Fiske and Cam Hart, but they have the opportunity to acquire promising running back prospects in Frank Gore Jr. and Kendall Milton later on. Either one of them has the potential to surpass Alexander Mattison and Zamir White.

Las Vegas Raiders 2021 NFL Mock Draft

JJ McCarthy continues to be the favored selection, while Telesco’s choices for DT and RB improve with the addition of Clemson teammates Tyler Davis and Will Shipley.

Despite the top OL prospects being taken by the time he has another chance to pick, he may end up having to choose Michigan’s backup/part-starter Trente Smith. However, he can still secure a cornerback in Deantre Prince.

Las Vegas Raiders Mock Draft 4.0

The final edition is the most streamlined, with the Raiders choosing to delay hiring McCarthy until the second round and opting for Taliese Fuaga instead.

In addition, they acquire Trey Benson, the top RB prospect, and Qwan’tez Stiggers, a cornerback from outside of college, but then choose to trade out of the remaining Day 3 picks.