The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft order, taking them well out of range to land one of the elite talents in this year’s class. However, with the NFL Combine approaching, there’s a growing buzz that Las Vegas could make something happen by draft night.
After naming Antonio Pierce as head coach and hiring Tom Telesco as general manager, the Raiders roster and potential moves in the NFL Draft have become the focal point of discussion. At one point, Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy seemed like a viable option for the 13th overall selection
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However, McCarthy is now expected to go before Las Vegas even has an opportunity to pick him. Facing the possibility of seeing four quarterbacks taken within the first 12 picks, Telesco and Pierce may have to be aggressive if they want to replace starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell in 2024.
Appearing on SportsCenter, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that the Raiders “could be a mover and shaker” around draft time with Pierce particularly high on LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels.
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Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is viewed as a definitive top-six pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While he’s less polished as a passer than Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, Daniels’ elite athleticism and arm strength provide him with the tools an offense can be built around.
As for the likelihood of the Raiders trading up for the third overall pick, Fowler notes that it is something the Raiders’ front office is considering.
“That’s a connection. Is it strong enough to move up from 13 overall to three overall to New England’s spot?”. That would be tough, but I think it’s on the radar at least.”
Jeremy Fowler on the Las Vegas Raiders potentially trading up for Jayden Daniels
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It’s not the first time Daniels has been connected to Las Vegas. He built a strong relationship with Pierce when the Raiders’ head coach worked as a recruiting coordinator at Arizona State. From 2018-’19, the two built a strong relationship that still exists today.
While Fowler doesn’t note the potential cost of moving up to the No. 3 overall pick, the New England Patriots are open to trading down. However, Las Vegas would likely need to part with first- and second-round picks in 2024 and 2025 at a minimum. If Las Vegas is unable to jump up for Daniels, then it could revisit starting O’Connell in 2024 with a rookie quarterback picked on Day 2 challenging him for the job.
