Raiders draft – Syndication Server

Raiders add to new identity under Antonio Pierce with TE Brock Bowers, 2024 NFL Draft class

The ultimate example of what the Raiders can be under coach Antonio Pierce is the team’s victory over the Chiefs on Christmas. After dominating the dynamic Kansas City offense on national television, Pierce talked about the new Raider Way that features ill intent, violence, physicality, and pain.

On that day, those attributes were most evident on defense. Led by defensive end Maxx Crosby, that unit made the eventual Super Bowl champions, and their superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, look more vulnerable than ever due to intense effort and physicality.

But what about the Raiders offense? Though Las Vegas ran the ball with powerful running back Zamir White to close that game out, they didn’t dish out much “pain” to the Chiefs defense that day, at least not on par with Crosby and the defense.

The Raiders 2024 NFL Draft class will bring the toughness that Pierce envisions to the offensive side of the ball. First-round pick Brock Bowers is not only supremely skilled and athletic, he’s tough as nails. He’ll run around defenders or over them after catching the football. According to NFL Media, Bowers’ “secret sauce might be his ability to rip through tacklers and pile on yardage after the catch.” And he possesses “exceptional toughness and contact balance with the ball in his hands.”

In my estimation, Bowers has the talent and toughness to change the Raiders’ identity on offense and make that side of the ball play with the same “ill intent” as the defense. That speaks to Pierce’s vision for his entire team, not just on defense, his specialty as a former NFL linebacker.

The Raiders added more physicality and toughness to the offense with their second-round pick, guard Jackson Powers-Johnson. At 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, Powers-Johnson plays with “a rugged, disdainful attitude toward opponents” according to NFL Media‘s scouting report, which also called Powers-Johnson “a fierce competitor with a salty disposition.”

A former wrestler, Powers-Johnson owns skill that rivals his toughness, just like Bowers.

And while the Raiders had a need in the draft for a quarterback, either a top pick or a developmental player in the later rounds, Pierce and new general manager Tom Telesco didn’t reach for one. Instead, they added more physical players in right tackle D.J. Glaze and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. Plus, they drafted players at positions of more dire need, like cornerback Decamerion Richardson.

That’s largely because the top signal-callers were selected early in the draft. But I also believe it’s because Pierce and the Raiders want to build a tough identity that can only be sustained by drafting players who fit the mold.

Whether players new to the Raiders know it or not, they’ll have to match the effort level of Crosby, the team’s “ill intent” ringleader. Players on defense already know this. Some players on offense are aware of this as well. But adding Crosby-level toughness to that side of the ball is necessary if Pierce’s vision for the “Raider Way” is to materialize.

The offense received just that in Bowers and Powers-Johnson. While the Raiders didn’t get the shiny new QB that many fans wanted and many NFL observers expected Vegas to acquire, they got a massive dose of toughness and skill on offense to help lay the foundation for Pierce, as he attempts to restore the Raiders’ storied tradition of greatness.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah: Raiders GM Tom Telesco knows exactly what a franchise QB looks like

It’s no secret that quarterback is the most important position in the NFL. It’s also no revelation that Raiders general manager Tom Telesco will bring a new signal caller to Vegas, despite a solid performance from rookie QB Aidan O’Connell in 2023.

NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah told Amber Theoharis and Eric Allen of the Raiders Podcast Network that while Telesco didn’t draft many quarterbacks during his lengthy tenure as Chargers GM, every team he’s worked for was built from the QB down, so he knows exactly what a franchise QB looks like.

“First of all, he’s been able to identify the most important position, which is the quarterback position,” Jeremiah said. “When he got to the Chargers, Philip Rivers was in place. But then every year doing your homework on quarterbacks and trying to find that next guy; you look where the Raiders are positioned right now, Aidan O’Connell did some nice things last year. [Telesco’s] going to have to decide: is this where you want to move forward here or do you want to try to identify somebody potentially in the draft or free agency?”

Telesco eventually drafted Chargers QB Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. That draft was flush with quarterbacks. Herbert was the third signal caller chosen, behind current NFL stars Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa.

Still, Jeremiah says that when you include Telesco’s tenure with the Colts and NFL legend Peyton Manning, Telesco knows exactly what to look for in a franchise QB.

“From his time around Peyton Manning with the Colts to his time around Philip Rivers and then Justin Herbert, he knows what it looks like to find that right quarterback. So that’s where it all starts with team building.”

Jeremiah, who also servs as Chargers color commentator, added that while every GM misses on some draft picks, Telesco has found impact players “at all different positions.” But Jeremiah believes Telesco will attempt to build the Raiders from the QB on down, just as his previous teams were built.

“I think he does have an idea of how to properly build a team. And the teams he’s been with have all been built through the quarterback. So I would think that’s going to be the first order of business,” Jeremiah concluded.

Finding a franchise quarterback won’t be as easy this time around for Telesco. The Raiders currently hold the No. 13 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. He’ll have to trade up to select a franchise QB such as No. 1 prospect Caleb Willimas of USC, Drake Maye of North Carolina, or Jayden Daniels of LSU.

Free agency or the trade market are other options for Telesco. In those scenarios, Teleso may bring in a stop-gap type player or competition for O’Connell.

Looking at Manning, Rivers, and Herbert, there is a touch of variety in their style of play. Manning and Rivers were classic pocket passers while Herbert has some mobility in his repertoire. That could open the door for a player such as Bears QB Justin Fields, should he become available. The Bears own the No. 1 pick in the draft and could select Fields’ replacement.

So while it’s no secret Telesco has to bring a new quarterback, or multiple new quarterbacks, to the Raiders, it’s anyone’s guess how he’ll get it done. His experience will help, but it’s unlikely he’ll find anyone the caliber of Manning, Rivers, or even Herbert. On the other hand, he just might. Raiders owner Mark Davis and Raiders fans will just have to wait and see if Telesco is the QB expert Jeremiah says he is.

5 Raiders veterans who could lose their job to rookies

Few jobs are safe on a 6-11 team. It’s the Raiders coaching staff’s job to try and improve upon such a season, and much of the hopes for that rest in the new rookie class.

The team’s veterans know this. Many of them are aware they will be replaced by the new guys, or at very least they must leave it all on the field to hold them off.

By the same token, the youngsters must develop quickly to prove they can hang with the big boys.

These are the Raiders veterans who look to be in the most danger of being overtaken by a rookie this season.

Raiders send league-leading 4 drafted rookies to NFLPA Rookie Premiere

League-leading 4 Raiders will be at NFLPA Rookie Premiere

You can sure tell the Raiders used a lot of picks on offensive skill position players. Because they will be well-represented at this year’s NFLPA Rookie Premiere.

Only two defensive players were invited to this year’s Rookie Premiere and no offensive linemen. Which is actually right about what you expect from the NFLPA’s annual reminder that anyone other than offensive skill position players are not considered “marketable”.

Those two defensive players are edge rushers Will Anderson and Tyree Wilson.

Anderson was selected at third overall by the Houston Texans while Wilson was taken seventh overall by the Raiders.

In total, the Raiders will have four rookies at the Rookie Premiere, which is the most in the NFL.

The other three are TE Michael Mayer, WR Tre Tucker, and QB Aidan O’Connell. DT Byron Young and CB Jakorian Bennett — both of whom were drafted ahead of O’Connell — were not invited.

In total, there will be 45 drafted rookies in attendance at the event which is presented by Panini America. It will take place May 18-21 in Los Angeles.

According to the press release:

Players are selected for the Rookie Premiere based on factors such as college performance, draft status, position, and marketability, all of which affect trading card value.

Strong emphasis on “position” here.

Rookies benefit from the event by gaining insights and connections that help them develop their personal brands and careers off the field. During the event, players receive orientation on union programs and services and learn from past participants. Rookie Premiere generates numerous business opportunities for current and former players, making it an impactful event for all involved.

Rookies will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from brands such as Fanatics, EA Sports, Pepsi, DraftKings, and Procter & Gamble.

As an added bonus, it will be first time these rookies will get to don the uniform of their new NFL team.

2023 NFL Draft results: Raiders select Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson at No. 7

Raiders select Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson at No. 7

[mm-video type=video id=01gz2qs6n8chm2qdmevk playlist_id=01eqby7y715wxzbczy player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gz2qs6n8chm2qdmevk/01gz2qs6n8chm2qdmevk-d88d8a305b4a3745e01699d1ec00f33f.jpg]

The Raiders have waited a while to finally be on the clock with their pick at seven overall. Here is who went in the first six picks:

1. Carolina Panthers — Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
2. Houston Texans — CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
3. Houston Texans (via ARI) — Will Anderson, ED, Alabama
4. Indianapolis Colts — Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
5. Seattle Seahawks — Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
6. Arizona Cardinals (via DET) — Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

At 7th overall the Raiders select… Tyree Wilson, ED, Texas Tech

Tyree Wilson, ED, Texas Tech

Even with Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones in place, the Raiders see an elite pass rushing prospect. Wilson has put up seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss in each of the past two seasons for the Red Raiders. Last season he did it despite missing the final three games with a foot injury.

Jones could be in his last season with the Raiders at the age of 33. Wilson will rotate in immediately and take over as the full time starter after this season. He and Maxx Crosby will make for a formidable pass rushing duo.

Tyree Wilson Raiders jersey: How to buy No. 7 draft pick’s jersey

Grab your next #Raiders jersey right now:

With the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Tyree Wilson.

Wilson, a pass rusher out of Texas Tech, will look to help the Raiders improve on last season’s 6-11 record.

With great expectations comes great responsibility, and now it’s time for you to support your team’s newest star. Check out Wilson’s new NFL jersey:

Pick No. 7 Las Vegas Raiders Nike Tyree Wilson Raiders Jersey (Fanatics) — Tyree Wilson Raiders Jersey (Fanatics)

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Tyree Wilson Raiders jersey” link=”https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/oq4ba9″]

The NFL is expected to release the 2023-24 schedule in May, but we know that Raiders fans can look forward to the first matchup of the season, whoever the foe is. It will be the first outing for the next era of Raider football.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Tyree Wilson Raiders jersey” link=”https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/oq4ba9″]

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Raiders Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Even with Jimmy Garoppolo in place Raiders still focused on drafting quarterback

Raiders still looking at quarterback in the draft even with Jimmy G onboard

Some people saw the addition of Jimmy Garoppolo by the Raiders this offseason as the answer to what the team was going to do at the quarterback position. Simply replace Derek Carr with Garoppolo and throw maybe a couple journeymen to compete for the backup spot and call it a day, right? Not so much.

Jimmy G is only part of a larger plan. In the immediate and certainly the long term parts of this plan, it still very much revolves around the draft.

“We’re doing a deep dive obviously in the draft,” said Raiders head coach Monday morning at the owners meetings in Arizona. “I would love to have a quarterback room that’s got guys that are young, developing, under contract that you can continue to work with every year. As opposed to try to do the veteran route every season if you can. So, we’ll see how it goes and how this next month and a half shakes out, but I’m confident Jimmy will be ready to roll and we need to do a good job of finding our backup plan.”

It’s interesting McDaniels uses the term “backup plan” because in some ways that’s what Jimmy G is. He was signed to ensure the Raiders have a viable starter regardless of what happens in the draft.

“Obviously it makes you feel better if you come out of there without somebody specific,” McDaniels said of the quarterback position in the draft. “But I think in terms of our roster, what we’ve tried to do is put ourselves in position where we can actually draft the best player that we feel like is available at the time. And we’re open to anything. That’s nothing new, but if that happens to be a quarterback, then it’s a quarterback. If it happened to be a defensive lineman, it’s a defensive lineman, if that happened to be a tight end, then it’s a tight end, you know what I mean?”

McDaniels is hinting at the mythical “Best Player Available” approach. It’s mythical because it simply does not exist. However, the closer a team can get to the BPA at a position of need the better off they will be.

But that may simply mean the Raiders pass on a QB at seventh overall if a guy they like isn’t there. That still leaves several options for getting a quarterback high in the draft including trading down in the first, trading back up into the bottom of the first, or taking one with their pick at the top of the second.

Either way, make no mistake, quarterback is still a high priority in this draft. McDaniels himself noted that several times he has coached teams that were developing a rookie as the primary backup. Including Jimmy G and Jarrett Stidham who started the final two games last season for the Raiders.

“I think the goal though is to try to eventually draft a player at that position you can move forward with and develop,” McDaniels continued. “We’ve done that, I’ve done that, I’ve been a part of that, I enjoy doing that, I think it’s a good philosophy to have organizationally, so you’re not always chasing a new backup quarterback every year and trying to identify who the best fit is. We’ll see if we can figure that out over the next month or so.”

The consensus suggests the quarterbacks who may be worthy of a selection at seventh overall are Ohio State’s CJ Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young, Florida’s Anthony Richardson, and Kentucky’s Will Levis. With Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker being a possibility later in the first or second round.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqby7y715wxzbczy player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Raiders may need to trade up to 3rd pick if they hope to get one of top QBs in this draft

Panthers trade puts pressure on Raiders to make big trade up if they hope to get a top QB in this draft.

Friday saw the Panthers shake up this year’s draft when they traded up with the Bears to acquire the number one overall pick. No team’s draft plans could be more affected by the move more than the Raiders.

Four quarterbacks are considered worthy of being selected near the top of this year’s draft; Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s CJ Stroud, Florida’s Anthony Richardson, and Kentucky’s Will Levis.

With the Raiders sitting at seven overall, they were considered to be in a position to get one of them, if not one of the top three. The Panthers trade up to number one has changed all of that.

Previously, the Panthers picked at nine overall, after the Raiders. Both teams have a need at quarterback and the Panthers weren’t willing to take their chances, so they put themselves in the catbird seat to have their pick of any of them.

Just behind the Panthers at two overall is the Texans who also figure to be looking for a quarterback. And two spots later, at fourth overall, are the Colts who are in the same boat.

That means, even if no more teams trade up, the Raiders would be looking at whoever is left from the four after the top three are gone.

Again, that’s if no other teams trade up. And that’s a very big if.

Right behind the Raiders in this draft are the Falcons at eight overall. They too need a quarterback and thus are in play to move up to try and get one.

Even if the Falcons don’t trade up, are the Raiders satisfied with putting their fate in the hands of other teams while they just selecting whichever QB they don’t take? Keep in mind, even that would be the best case scenario.

There is one obvious solution to all this — trade up to three with the Cardinals.

The Cardinals have their QB. With the jockeying for position to get a QB happening, a move down four picks would still figure to yield them one of the top three non-quarterbacks in this draft. And they could pick up some nice draft capital in the process.

For the Raiders, it would guarantee they get one of the top three quarterbacks in this draft, which is better than settling for whomever other teams don’t take, or, more likely, missing out on a quarterback altogether at the top of this draft. There is a sizable drop off after those four.

You can bet several other teams will have the same idea. The Colts and Falcons foremost among them.

It’s not as if the Raiders don’t have the assets to make such a trade. They have 11 picks in this year’s draft and can also offer up future picks.

The only question would be if they do it before the draft or wait until the Cardinals are on the clock after the first two selections are made. And would waiting risk the possibility another team could make that trade before the draft?

If they don’t make the aggressive move to trade up to three to get one of the top quarterbacks, they would have to take their chances later in the draft. Which could be just as risky as hoping one of the top four falls to them at seven.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqby7y715wxzbczy player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Linebackers who land squarely on Raiders draft radar

Linebackers in this draft who are Raiders are looking for and could be available for them

Linebacker was a position in flux last season for the Raiders. As of training camp the starting linebackers were Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski, and Nicholas Morrow. By the end of last season, none of them were starters, and now all three of them are now gone.

What the replaced them with were Denzel Perryman and Divine Deablo. Perryman was acquired in trade just prior the start of the season and the rookie Deablo would take over starting duties late in season.

While Perryman has coverage limitations, he is a stellar middle linebacker and tackling machine. Deablo appeared to be an upgrade over Littleton, but whether he is worthy of continuing as the full time starter remains to be seen.

So, what the Raiders need is a linebacker who can cover and compete to either take over the starting duties for Deablo, or be the third linebacker in those instances when the Raiders field one.

The linebackers could be just what they need and may be on the board when they pick.

2021 NFL draft roundup: What Chargers’ rivals did

]The Chargers stacked deck in the 2021 NFL draft. But how about their divisional rivals?

The Chargers stacked deck in the 2021 NFL draft, receiving high praise for their haul. But how about their divisional rivals?

Here’s a roundup of the AFC West’s draft moves: