Las Vegas Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce's Goal Runs Through the Draft

Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce wants a Super Bowl title. His first draft as head coach could have major implications on whether and when that goal will be achieved.

Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce won a Super Bowl ring as a player with the New York Giants in 2007. Now, he wants one as a coach.

The Raiders hold the No. 13 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, along with picks 44, 77, 112, 148, 208, 223 and 229.

It is Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco's first draft at their current positions in Las Vegas. Since Telesco's hiring in January, he has bolstered the defensive front with the Christian Wilkins signing and added depth to the offense. More pieces in place for Pierce to achieve his goal.

Now, the right additions must continue on April 25.

The extent of a first-round pick's value has been well covered -- our Hondo S. Carpenter has been insisting on it for weeks on his "Las Vegas Insider Podcast." The draft's success will fall upon Pierce and Telesco, as will any chance for potential Super Bowl championships to become tangible.

Hall-of-Fame general manager Bill Polian was Telesco's mentor. He explained the relationship Pierce and Telesco need to have to implement their vision on a recent episode of Carpenter's podcast.

"The coach may tell [a general manager], as an example, 'I want the outside linebackers in a 3-4 [defense] to be six-foot-four, 275-pounds," Polian said. "[A general manager] would say 'Listen, God only makes so many of those every year' ... there aren't any in this year's draft ... what are we going to do about it?' Those conversations take place almost on a daily basis."

Polian mentioned that a general manager should "bend" to a coach's request in most situations.

"You have to be cognizant of the fact that in the end, the coach has to coach the team," Polian said.

It is up in the air what the Silver and Black will do with their pick. The Raiders have two starting quarterbacks on the roster competing for the QB1 job. They have also been tied to former Washington Husky quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Las Vegas could use help on the right side of the offensive line, or an upgrade at cornerback.

What Pierce and Telesco do in the draft will determine if that goal comes to fruition.

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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