Raiders Projected to Use First Pick on Defense
The Las Vegas Raiders will focus much of their attention this offseason on fixing an offense that struggled for much of the season.
Coach Antonio Pierce has acknowledged that current starting quarterback Aidan O'Connell will have to compete for the starting spot next season.
This, and Pierce's ties to quarterback Jayden Daniels, has led many to speculate that the Raiders might consider trading up in the NFL Draft to select a quarterback.
However, trading up to add a rookie quarterback to compete with O'Connell, who has only been in the league one season, might not be the best use of their first-round draft pick.
While it is certainly a possibility that the Raiders do make such a move, they would have to give up a lot in return to be able to move up far enough in the draft to get Daniels or one of the other top quarterbacks in the draft.
Las Vegas could undoubtedly use additional help on their offense in various positions. However, that doesn't mean they must use the 13th overall pick on that side of the ball.
The Las Vegas Raiders could use the NFL Draft to add to their defense.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
CBS Sports writer Tom Fornelli projects the Raiders will keep the 13th overall pick in the draft and use it to draft their cornerback of the future, Terrion Arnold.
Arnold, from the University of Alabama, fits the system of Pierce and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham.
"Based on what I know of Antonio Pierce, he will enjoy watching Terrion Arnold's tape," Fornelli said. "He's a corner who plays like a linebacker in the run game but is one of the more intelligent corners I've seen in the last couple of seasons. He just knows where the ball is going to be."
The Raiders could let cornerback Amik Robertson walk in free agency, leaving a void at the position. With the emergence of Jack Jones, the Raiders adding another dependable cornerback like Arnold to the defense would be another step in the right direction for an already improved defense.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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