OL Wagner is an Example Why the NFL Draft is Important

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Brayden P. Reedy | Last updated 2/20/24

Undoubtedly, the NFL Draft is one of the most important events for all 32 teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders.

The latest Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast with our Hondo Carpenter Sr. discussed many interesting topics, including how the Jimmy Garoppolo situation has saved tons of money for the Raiders, the NFL's lust for parity, and much more.

One discussion Carpenter talked about was why the NFL Draft is so important when it comes to players and the salary cap.

"This is why the NFL Draft is so important even more than free agency because when you get those guys and get them at a controlled salary for four or five years or even an undrafted free agent, you keep them on a low salary for four or five years. It allows you to develop guys."

Carpenter continued by mentioning UDFA offensive lineman Dalton Wagner as an example of a player who can prove why the NFL Draft is essential when managing team salaries.

"Let's use Dalton Wagner as an example. Wagner is an offensive lineman that the Raiders got last year as a UDFA out of Arkansas. So he sticks around, and suddenly, you're like, okay, we think this guy can play, so he plays this next year, but he plays good enough that you can let a veteran go. You save all that money why because you drafted well. This is why the draft is important."

Wagner saw no playing action during the 2023-24 NFL regular season. But the UDFA played five seasons with the Arkansas Razorbacks, finishing as a Two-time All-SEC selection.

The last episode of the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast can be watched when you click here.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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