The Las Vegas Raiders have a very important draft coming up, mostly because they are so close to being a playoff team once again, which means they are close to ending their streak of not winning a playoff game in 20 years. Obviously, some more things need to fall in order, but the 2024 NFL Draft will be a great way to help bolster a roster that isn't too far away.
However, the things they need are not necessarily easy to get. They need a franchise quarterback, and at pick No. 13, it's going to be hard to get that. However, they can get a good enough guy to upgrade to the position. They also need defensive back help, and luckily, this draft has some very good players in the position as well.
Destin Adams of A to Z Sports recently did a mock draft and made the perfect path for the Raiders to get to those two huge needs in the first two rounds. Here is what Destin Adams wrote about his first-round selection for the Raiders in his latest mock draft:
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Like the Broncos, I think the Raiders are another team that likely has a serious interest in trading up for a QB. But if they fail to do so, I think they have to look elsewhere at 13 because the talent remaining at QB does not warrant being selected this high. The Raiders need impact players in the secondary. While I think Terrion Arnold out of Alabama is the top CB in this class, Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell will be viewed as a higher upside option, and I think I could catch new Raiders GM Tom Telesco's eye. - Destin Adams, A to Z Sports
Mitchell's stock started rising after the Senior Bowl, as he dominated every single one vs. one drill. He is physical and athletic and loves to play press man, which is perfect for a Patrick Graham defense. Getting him at 13 if one of those top three quarterbacks is not available would be perfect. He is a guy who could come in and be the No. 2 cornerback right away.
For Adam's second pick, which he made for the Raiders, he chose Washington quarterback Michael Penix at pick No. 44. This pick is a great one as well because it allows the Raiders to at least get a quarterback rather than walk out of this draft without one of those second-tier guys, which I think Penix is. He has an injury history; he's significantly older than some of the other QBs, but he seems much more ready to play now.
If the Raiders draft Penix, the quarterback room would be Penix, Gardner Minshew, and Aidan O'Connell, who are three guys who have all played football at a very high level. It would make a great quarterback room when you factor in every spot, but you would have a three-man quarterback battle in training camp.
If the Raiders walked away after round two with those two guys, I think they would be incredibly happy.
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