There has been a lot of conversation surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders and what they plan to do this offseason. Quarterback remains the biggest need for the team, and the franchise has links to two of the top three quarterbacks in the draft 2024 NFL Draft in USC’s Caleb Williams. and LSU’s Jayden Daniels.
But armed with the 13th overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Raiders are out of range to take one of the top-3 prospects which would also include UNC’s Drake Maye. Things seem to be pointing towards the teams at the top of the draft staying put, but that doesn’t mean the Raiders won’t be looking to move up in some way.
According to Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders have also been exploring trades that would move them into the 5-7 range in the draft:
The Raiders have been exploring trading up in the first round, according to league and team sources. It may be unrealistic to swing a trade to move into the top three picks considering the Bears (pick No. 1), the Commanders (pick No. 2) and the Patriots (pick No. 3) are all likely to stay put and draft quarterbacks, but that doesn’t mean the Raiders plan to sit on their laurels.
GM Tom Telesco has also had conversations centered on potentially trading for picks in the 5 to 7 range, selections held by the Chargers (No. 5), Giants (No. 6) and Titans (No. 7). That type of trade could theoretically be made to put the Raiders in range for a player at another premium position, but it would only make sense if it were a move up for a quarterback.
As was noted, it really only makes sense to trade up with the idea of taking your choice as the franchise quarterback. It would cost the Lakers a lot to move from 13 to something in top-10 and as important as other positions are, nothing tops the importance of a quarterback.
If the Raiders can get into the top-3 they will be undoubtedly happy about anyone they take, but if that isn’t possible, the Raiders will still make the necessary moves to try and improve their roster and make a playoff push next season.
Jack Jones believes Raiders don’t need to make any roster changes
Not everyone feels that the Raiders need to turn to the draft to make some changes to the roster. Cornerback Jack Jones feels the Raiders don’t need to make any personnel changes as he feels they can compete with anyone.
Jones was asked a number of times on social media to recruit free agents to join the Raiders. But Jones won’t do it as he feels the Raiders have everything they need on the current roster. The cornerback took to social media to express his belief in this team as a whole and doesn’t feel any major additions are necessary.
