Raiders Projected to Pick Twice in First Round
The Las Vegas Raiders have multiple positions on their roster that could use an immediate upgrade via the upcoming NFL Draft. While many believe the Raiders could trade up in the draft for one of the top quarterbacks available, the Raiders could also take a more level approach and stick with their current 13th overall pick. The Raiders going this route could allow them even more flexibility later on in the draft.
Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports has the Raiders picking twice in the first round, addressing two significant needs on opposite sides of the ball. Fornelli projects the Raiders not to trade up from their spot at 13th overall and instead select Toledo's Quinton Mitchell, one of the best cornerbacks available in the draft.
"Depending on how the free agent QB shuffle goes, the Raiders may look to move up and get somebody in the top 10. In this simulation, they grab the one player whose stock has soared throughout the entire pre-draft process, Fornelli said."
The Las Vegas Raiders could select an impact offensive and defensive player in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders drafting a cornerback with the 13th overall pick could be a sign of the future departure of cornerback Amik Robertson in free agency. However, it would give the Raiders comparable talent at much less than it would cost to keep Robertson. They'd also get a player with high upside for at least the next four seasons at an affordable cost.
Fornelli has the Raiders trading with the Baltimore Ravens for the 30th overall pick, allowing the Silver and Black to draft what most would assume is their quarterback of the future, Michael Penix. The quarterback from the University of Washington would compete with quarterback Aidan O'Connell for the starting position next season.
"The Raiders didn't trade up earlier to get a quarterback, but with Michael Penix on the board, they pull the trigger here," Fornelli said. "Penix has a great arm and is an intriguing prospect, but by getting him in the first round, the Raiders get the fifth-year option with him."
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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