Answering Your Las Vegas Raiders Emails and Questions

The Las Vegas Raiders fan base sets the standard across all professional sports franchises, and each week, we take time to answer your questions and emails.

LAS VEGAS, Nev.—The Las Vegas Raiders are marching toward the NFL Draft and the start of OTAs and Mini Camps.

So let’s dig right in on this week's questions and emails:

Dear Mr. Carpenter, I a huge fan of your work.  I love the way you bring so much information to the table from NFL people.  I almost fell out of my chair listening to a TV show recently, and something you had told us that a GM had told you, a few days before, this GM on TV said word for word.  No deviation.  That was legit.  Anyways, I am not asking for your opinion, but the QB drafting experts that you trust, who are successful, what round do they have Michael Penix marked at in their evaluation, and where do they think he goes.  Keep up the absolutely fantastic work.  Greg W.

The men that I trust, who have a tremendous track record of quarterback drafting, all like Penix personally as a human being and his God-given athletic skills. Additionally, with four season-ending injuries, they think he is too big of a risk before the third round. They all think he will go before that.

Hondo, I recently saw someone reporting on Raiders in line for contract extensions. All guys you previewed and talked about in January.  Just wondering who are some of the money players for the next season?  Appreicatte you, Chad C.

RB Zamir White, OL Dylan Parham, S Isaiah Pola-Mao, OL Thayer Munford, and CB Jack Jones. There are other third-year players, but even with a good season, they will need to show more in 2025. For these gentlemen, there is big money riding on 2024.

Uncle Hondo, my guy, your interview with Bill Polian was simply outstanding.  You mentioned a Mt. Rushmore of Pro Football GMs, and I would like to know who I on yours?  Keep the outstanding work, Sir.  Mindy L.

In no particular order: Al Davis, Jerry Vainisi, Ron Wolf, Bill Polian, Bobby Beathard, and somewhere—I know there are only five—Paul Brown, as part of the discussion. 

Hondo you have said since before the last game of the year that the Raiders would sign a veteran, (they did) and potentially sign another, if the right one was available, but overwhelming odds were that they pick a rookie. So who would you like them to take? Garry H.

There are several QBs in this draft that I think could have a future. All players in the NFL Draft are developmental, so what I will say is that I would like the Raiders to pick a QB at the right place in the draft.  Not reach, just let that player come to them.

Hondo, I know that you said Josh Jacobs made a business decision, but I saw a player out and just stopped and said hi.  I expressed to them I was said about Josh, but it was a business decision. They didn’t agree, they made it sound like he got the offer he wanted, and then shopped it.  (Name withheld) wasn’t really feeling love towards JJ.  What you know?  Ryan P.

What do I know? That morning, when free agency started, the feeling was that Josh was coming back. Shortly after, he was gone, and many people were surprised. The reality is, I wish him well, and think both parties are better today.

Hondo, I like your work, and unlike most people, I like you.  But, your interview with Bill Polian is why people hate you.  Why would you call him Mr. Polian? He is a grown-ass man like you.  You are like a brown-nosed kid from school that everyone hated. Chill out, man. You made yourself look stupid.  Nick N.

Nick, if being respectful to someone who is my elder and being respectful makes me a brown noser, then call me Eddie Haskell.   As mentioned in the interview, I met him years ago.  He is a legend, kind, and has always been warm to me.  If showing respect is looked down upon in today's world, then I take that as a badge of honor.  Our society needs more respect for one another and our elders.  If calling Bill Polian Mr. made me look stupid, then I can assure you I do not want to change your opinion of me.  Respectfully, I live my life for the approval of one, and you are not Him.  I may not have earned respect in your eyes, but Mr. Polian has in mine.  Thank you, Sir, for offering your opinion.

Uncle H to the C, you said a lot of people on the team were upset, even hurt when Josh Jacobs left.  I didn’t see it, but I have to say, as time passes and Coach and guys talk you right.  I was upset he left, but now, I am like OK, I see you.  This isn’t a Tom T thing, it is a you thing. Sad, but are we good with Zamir?  KC Schmitt 

I like everything that I have seen from Zamir White, and I am a believer.  I alluded above to this being a money year, and he can do a lot and make a lot in 2024.

No Hondo hate this week, but my son Noah got some comments from my last Q&A and I will share two of those:

Hondo, it was nice to see your son Noah in your last article. He is tall and handsome like you. I know you said he has a great girlfriend, but are you taking resumes in case they break up, and is it wrong to pray for that? I am 24 and studying to be a dentist. He’s a banker. We could have a good future. Jill H.

Hondo, please have Noah on your next podcast, more Noah please. That guy is gorgeous, and would love to hear more from him.  Does he have IG, and is he a Raider fan like his mom and Dexter?  Ariel G.

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

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