Though Las Vegas’ draft has garnered mixed reviews, there’s no denying that general manager Tom Telesco did an adequate job at acquiring talent for both this upcoming season and for the future.
With all that in mind, let’s rank each Raiders draft pick based on potential impact for the 2024 season.
Ranking Raiders draft picks
1. G Jackson Powers-Johnson
Though many would place Brock Bowers at No. 1, Jackson Powers-Johnson immediately fills a bigger need on the Raiders’ offense.The 21-year-old will step in as the starting right guard and provide fantastic pass protection along with calculated physicality in the run game. Powers-Johnson allowed zero sacks and two pressures while starting at right guard for Oregon in 2022.
2. TE Brock Bowers
Bowers, who lined up on the line, in the slot and out wide at Georgia, is a versatile, big-play threat who should emerge as a major weapon on the Raiders’ offense.The 21-year-old scored an 89.5 PFF receiving grade for his college career and is the perfect complement to Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers in the passing attack. Though tight end wasn’t Las Vegas’ most pressing need heading into the draft, Bowers’ versatility and explosive playstyle should make an immediate impact in Luke Getsy’s offense.
3. CB Decamerion Richardson
Though I would’ve preferred Cam Hart over Richardson, there’s no denying the 23-year-old’s athleticism, and he’s a good scheme fit in the Raiders’ defense.
Richardson’s 78.1 zone coverage grade in 2023 meshes well with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s heavy zone defense. The former Bulldog could compete for a starting spot but will likely be a pivotal depth piece and impact special teamer in Year 1.
4. LB Tommy Eichenberg
Eichenberg’s physicality and high motor fits the culture head coach Antonio Pierce wants to build in Vegas. The 23-year-old is a fantastic run defender, posting 26 run stops and boasting a missed tackle rate of 8.7%.
His struggles in pass coverage will likely limit his ability to be an immediate three-down linebacker, but Eichenberg should crack the linebacker rotation and be an impact player on special teams.
5. S Trey Taylor
Taylor’s ability to play in the slot while excelling as a traditional safety will be a significant asset for the Raiders’ defense in 2024. The seventh-round pick posted an 89.0 coverage grade in 2023 and allowed a 50.9 passer rating when targeted.
With Las Vegas’ safety depth being incredibly weak, Taylor should easily find a depth role in the secondary while also making big plays on special teams.
6. OL Delmar Glaze
Las Vegas reached on Delmar Glaze in Round 3, as the former Maryland standout would’ve likely been available in the fourth or fifth round.
Nevertheless, the 21-year-old will compete for the Raiders’ starting right tackle spot in 2024. Glaze struggles to execute and finish blocks in the run game, but his strengths in pass protection could prove valuable.
The new Raider posted an 83.6 pass-blocking grade in 2023, and allowed just seven sacks in his collegiate career that spanned over 2,280 snaps. Adding to that, he tallied the sixth-highest career pass-blocking grade among all draft-eligible offensive linemen.
7. CB MJ Devonshire
Devonshire was Las Vegas’ final pick at No. 229 overall and could be a potential steal. The 23-year-old allowed a 45% completion rate and a 60.8 passer rating when targeted in 2023 and has 33-inch arms that assist him in man coverage.
Though he could be a difference-maker on the Raiders’ defense in the future, Devonshire will likely hold a depth spot and find a role on special teams this upcoming season.
8. RB Dylan Laube
With his receiving ability, Laube could be a third-down threat for the Raiders’ offense. The 24-year-old posted a 90.5 receiving grade in 2023 and is also an adequate pass protector.
A potential third-down role is possible, but Laube will have an uphill battle to find playing time over Zamir White, Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah. The former New Hampshire Wildcat had a role in the return game while in college so he could compete for a return job.
