Report: Raiders in Prime Position for Top-Tier CB

The Las Vegas Raiders have a glaring need at the cornerback position. They have been projected to use their first-round draft pick to address their defensive backfield.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Toledo defensive back Quinyon Mitchell (DB27) works out during / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco and his staff have already done a respectable job adding to their roster in free agency.

Telesco's moves show he properly understands where the Raiders' roster currently stands. In only a few transactions, he has demonstrated that with his knowledge of the National Football League landscape, his fresh eyes on the team’s roster, and Raiders coach Antonio Pierce’s intimate knowledge of the team, the Raiders are under competent leadership moving forward. 

Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team believes the Raiders will stick with the players they currently have on their offensive line, as nearly all of the listed starters have significant playing experience. The Raiders have three starting five offensive line positions figured out with solid players. The right side of the line is not as solid.

Still, the Raiders have options on what to do in the draft.

“Sometimes, teams are more confident and comfortable with internal options than the public believes,” Valentino said. “It seems the Las Vegas Raiders are fine with Thayer Munford Jr. at right tackle, opening up the possibility of them drafting the best player available at No. 13.”

Although the Raiders could still add to their offensive line, drafting one of the top offensive linemen with their first-round draft pick seems unlikely. Las Vegas still could use one of its later picks or sign veteran offensive linemen in free agency. 

So far this offseason, the Raiders have invested in more players on the offensive side than the defensive side. With the addition of Christian Wilkins and the departure of cornerback Amik Robinson, the Raiders undoubtedly need additional talent in their defensive backfield. Cornerback prospect Quinyon Mitchell could be the option the Raiders replace Robinson with. 

“It just so happens their biggest need can be addressed at the same time, as Quinyon Mitchell is ripe for picking," Valentino said. "Mitchell is a supremely gifted athlete who can complement Jack Jones as a playmaking corner. Whether in man or zone coverage, Mitchell projects as a premier CB1.” 

Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs give the Raiders two solid cornerbacks, but they lack depth in the cornerback position behind those two. Drafting Mitchell would potentially give the Raiders a top-tier talent position at the cornerback position for at least the next four seasons at an affordable cost to the team. It could also provide the Raiders flexibility in future contract negotiations with Jones and Hobbs.

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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