Picking the best Round 3 draft target for the Las Vegas Raiders after the 2024 NFL Combine

The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2024 NFL Draft with nine draft picks, which include three in the seventh round. However, like most teams, their money will be made in the middle rounds. That's where some of the most significant picks happen, and some of the greatest players of all time come in that area. That's not saying the first round doesn't mean anything - but instead, I'm saying not to count out those two picks.

The Raiders will have a round-three pick that is just as important as round two, really. They have several things they need to address, and as general manager Tom Telesco said on Tuesday at the NFL Combine, the offense needs a lot of work.

Sure, the roster on that side of the ball is better, but the defense showed out last year when the offense didn't. The defense will get some work, but it feels like the offense will get a large bulk of the attention - such as the quarterback position and the offensive tackle position.

We all know they need a new quarterback. No matter how you feel about Aidan O'Connell, it's almost clear he won't be a guy who can change a franchise. Not only that, but he is the exact opposite of the style of quarterback you want in Luke Getsy's system. It's almost a no-brainer the Raiders will attack that position in the draft; it's just more about where. But, you can say the same about the offensive line.

At A to Z Sports, we have been doing our series of best draft picks per round. In these series, we act as if the team picks with the trade they currently have and does not get any trades. In round one we chose a cornerback, and in round two we chose a quarterback. In this case, the Raiders pick 77 in round three, and I happen to have the perfect pick for the Raiders when they go on the clock for the second time on day two.

Raiders should target Houston OT Patrick Paul with their third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft

The Raiders' ultimate decision depends on what they do in round 1. Will they trade up? Will they stay put and draft a defensive player, or go offensive tackle at No. 13? We just don't know, and since we did this without trades, and I already selected Arnold, who is the best defensive cornerback in this draft, I went offensive tackle this time in the third round after grabbing Michael Penix in the second round.

Ultimately, I think the Raiders trade up and draft a quarterback. I just think that's what's going to happen. So, if they did go with offensive tackle Patrick Paul, that would help them with Penix in 2024, which a lot of fans don't like. However, this pick would guarantee that he has more protection.

The Raiders have Jermaine Eluemunor entering free agency. There is a big chance they won't bring him back because of how well Thayer Munford played when he was thrown in the fire. That's not to say they won't draft a guy and have a battle at offensive tackle. Paul would not be a bad pick, and his feistiness tells me he would fit well in Silver and Black.

Why Paul fits the Raiders

On A to Z Sports' Big Board, Paul is the 48th-ranked player and the eighth-ranked offensive tackle. With Luke Getsy in town as the new offensive coordinator, it's safe to say this team's identity will still be running the ball, as he led the Chicago Bears to a top running unit both years there.

And, while Paul comes off more as an elite pass blocker, which he is, he is also a great run blocker. It wouldn't be bad to have a guy who can both run and pass block, especially if you are going to have a young quarterback and one that's not very mobile as well.

Paul has an enormous frame with 36+ inch arms, and smooth/controlled kick slides & excellent pocket range. He repositions hands as the plays develop and can reach 2nd-level landmarks & adjust the path in open space. With the way this offense will play - ground and pound and set up deep shots afterwards, the Raiders will still need to hold off pressure, and Paul is a guy that can bring that.

Final word

The Las Vegas Raiders need to get this draft right, and whether they take a quarterback in round one by trading up, or not, taking an offensive tackle like Patrick Paul would be a good idea.