Grading the Raiders' 2024 Draft Class: Taking the best player available approach was the right move

Breaking down the pick: When it was their turn to pick at No. 13, the Las Vegas Raiders needed a quarterback. However, six Quarterbacks went in the first 12 picks, and Brock Bowers, the best overall player in the draft, was staring right at them. So, the Raiders took the best player available approach.

The Raiders didn't need a tight end, or even a slot receiver for that matter, but they couldn't pass on a guy like Bowers, who could be a superstar in this league. Did I expect them to make this pick? No. Was it a good pick and the best one the Raiders could make at No. 13? Yes. Easily an A+.

Final Grade: A+

Round 2, Pick 44: G Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon

Breaking down the pick: The Raiders didn't necessarily need to go with a guard in the second round, as they signed Cody Whitehair earlier this offseason, but they couldn't pass on JPJ, either. Andre James was just signed to a new deal as the center, so JPJ will be a guard, and it gives the Raiders more flexibility

With Antonio Pierce as head coach, the Las Vegas Raiders wanted to build the trenches up on both sides of the ball. They did that by signing Christian Wilkins in free agency, and now they are doing it in the draft as well. And, it helps that JPJ grew up a Raiders fan, so he already fits and knows what the culture should be.

Final Grade: A+

Round 3, Pick 77: OT Delmar Glaze, Maryland

Breaking down the pick:  After losing Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency to the New York Giants, the Raiders were evidently going to take at least one offensive tackle in this draft to compete with Thayer Munford for the job. However, when the name was announced, not many guessed it would be Glaze.

Now, that doesn't mean Glaze isn't good, because he can be very, very good, but he was a player not many know, and isn't a tackle that will just blow you away. There was one other option available at the time that could have been better in Kansas offensive tackle Dominick Puni. But Glaze was not a bad pick.

Final Grade: C+

Round 4, Pick 112: CB Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi State

Breaking down the pick:  When this pick was announced, was about the time were were enot sure if the Raiders would grab a QB or not. Obviously, they didn't, but they did grab a cornerback who is an athletic freak, and maybe the most athletic cornerback in the entire draft. His size and physical traits are perfect for Patrick Graham.

So, because of the upside, I give the pick an A -, because he can be very good, and his floor is high, too. However, there were other players available that I liked more and thought were more NFL-ready at this very moment, like Jarvis Brownlee, Cam Hart, or T.J. Tampa. But, it was a good pick.

Final Grade: A -

Round 5, Pick 148: LB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State

Breaking down the pick:  The Raiders needed a linebacker for 2025, as the only one on the books for that season is Amari Burney, who was a rookie last year. They don't really need a linebacker right now, but Eichenberg is a great option for next season if they cannot somehow get Diablo and Spillane back to town.

However, when they picked Eichenberg, Jeremiah Trotter was still available, and I had Trotter as my second-best linebacker in the entire draft. Instead, he went to the Philadelphia Eagles. So, for that, I give this grade a bit lower than maybe most will. But Eichenberg is exactly what the Raiders are looking for.

Final Grade: B

Round 6, Pick 208: RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire 

Breaking down the pick: The Raiders needed a fourth running back behind Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, and Ameer Abdullah. Luckily for them, they have one of the best all-around running backs in the draft now. And he can play special teams. However, the numbers don't show quite what his production can be.
The reason this grade is lower is because these are the areas where I would have liked the Raiders to take one of Jordan Travis or Joe Milton at quarterback. Other than that, this is a great pick.

Final Grade: B

Round 7, Pick 223: S Trey Taylor, Air Force

Breaking down the pick: The Raiders needed a safety, but it wasn't far up their list. They have Epps and Moehrig and drafted Chris Smith last season, but why not take a chance on a guy who has upside as Taylor does? He can improve in coverage but is solid all around. To me the idea is that he can be a special teams starter. This is a great pick for where the Raiders got him.

Final Grade: B

Round 7, Pick 229: CB M.J. Devonshire, Pitt

Breaking down the pick: The Raiders took a cornerback maybe later than they would have liked in the fourth round due to how the board fell in the first three rounds. So, why not grab one more in the seventh round and see what he has? You can never have too many cornerbacks in the NFL. This was a good pick.

Final Grade: B +

Final Grade: B+

This was a very good draft, and way better than what we saw in the Josh McDaniels era and especially the Jon Gruden era. However, it could have been better in a few areas. The Raiders still walked away feeling that their roster is pretty set now and they have a great chance at competing in 2024.