The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone for the Las Vegas Raiders. There were plenty of rumors and stories making the rounds about the future of the team and the way forward as they steam toward NFL free agency next week and the NFL Draft in April.
With Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco leading the way this offseason, the Raiders have been an increasingly interesting team to watch.
With needs at quarterback, offensive line, defensive line and at cornerback and safety, the talk around the NFL Combine focused on some key players and performers who apparently caught the eye of the both Telesco and Pierce.
What we’re hearing about Las Vegas Raiders drafting a QB
The focus at the NFL Combine has been the Las Vegas Raiders keen interest in strengthening their quarterback room and Pierce being clear with his intention to upgrade the position.
“You don’t want to put a Band-Aid at that position,” Pierce told The Athletic at last week’s NFL Combine.
The Raiders have been linked most commonly to Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who played at Arizona State with Pierce before transferring to LSU. Although Daniels and Pierce have a close relationship, it’s going to be difficult — and costly — for the Raiders to move up from the 13th pick to grab the quarterback. With rumors swirling the New England Patriots may take a quarterback with the third pick, Daniels, Caleb Williams and Drake May, could all go in the first three picks. The Raiders might not have any opportunity to grab Daniels even if they want to.
Outside of those top three quarterbacks, J.J. McCarthy is another name reportedly on the Raiders radar although his NFL Combine performance has helped him gain momentum and he could move up to the Top 5 in the NFL Draft as well.
According to Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur at The Athletic, Las Vegas Raiders GM Tom Telesco is focusing on trading up to the fifth overall pick with division rival the Los Angeles Chargers, or targeting the sixth (New York Giants) or seventh (Tennessee Titans) pick to target McCarthy, Oregon’s Bo Nix, or Washington’s Michael Penix, Jr.. Clearly, Telesco is listening to his coach and understands they need to be aggressive to stay relevant in the competitive AFC West.
The question is: with how the draft is falling, will the Raiders be able or willing to pay the price to get their QB of the future or will they have to explore other options?
Could the Las Vegas Raiders still target Justin Fields?
The impending trade of Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields was the talk of the NFL Combine with the Atlanta Falcons supposedly holding the edge on acquiring the three-year pro. With the Bears almost certainly set to pick Caleb Williams, Fields is expendable and a quarterback with potential on a rookie deal has several teams interested.
New England, Atlanta, Minnesota and Pittsburgh were all teams interested in the former Ohio State product, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Yet by the end of the weekend, the prevailing narrative was the market for Fields was softer than the Bears had anticipated. That could mean the price for Fields, thought to be at least a second round pick in 2024, could be falling.
With the Las Vegas Raiders in the market for two quarterbacks to compete with current starter Aidan O’Connell, acquiring Fields could be a viable option if they are unable to snag a young quarterback in the draft. The only rub: Fields is expected to be traded before April and the Raiders would need to be active before hand. Even if they did trade for Fields, he’s far from a sure thing and if they did swing a deal for him it wouldn’t mean they still wouldn’t try and trade up in the first round.
Las Vegas Raiders also focused on improving defense
While the defensive side of the ball was a clear bright spot for the Raiders in 2023, it was also a focus at the NFL Combine as they aim to further solidify the roster. The success of Maxx Crosby has had a hallow effect as all week we heard from key young players who mentioned him and admire what he’s done in Las Vegas. His successful example has created interest in players excited to possibly play for the Raiders.
The focus of on defensive talent for the Raiders will probably come on Day 2 and 3, including defensive backs. While the Raiders need both depth at cornerback and safety, the free agent class at corner makes it likely they will dip their toes there for one or more experienced cover corners to play in tandem with Jack Jones.
Alongside planning for the draft the Raiders are managing the intricacies of free agency with an emphasis on improving their defensive line. They are exploring the option of adding players such as Chris Jones and Justin Madubuike who have expiring contracts to bolster their defense.
The Raiders were reportedly excited by their meetings with several defensive backs including top cornerback Terrion Arnold and safety Tyler Nubin, showcasing their thorough approach to the NFL Combine. While teams meet with players from almost every position, the Raiders’ interactions with these defensive prospects may offer insights into their drafting strategy and the realization they need to create depth and improve on the defense as well.
No deal imminent between Las Vegas Raiders, Josh Jacobs
While talk from inside the Las Vegas Raiders organization continues to stress their desire to retain soon-to-be free agent running back Josh Jacobs, a deal between the two sides isn’t close. Jacobs, who can be franchise tagged, is seeking a longer term deal. Telesco said at the NFL Combine the team will not franchise tag Jacobs again, meaning he will be a free agent.
“So yeah, we’re going to explore pretty hard to see if we can bring him back here and kind of go from there,” Telescot said Tuesday at the NFL Combine. “But he’s a player in running game, pass game, pass protection, he can really help you win games.”
What could Jacobs be looking for? According to Bleacher Report, the contract could be for $19.5 million for two years with $14 million in guarantees.