Raiders trade up, address key needs in Chad Reuter's 5-round NFL mock draft

Mike Moraitis

Raiders trade up, address key needs in Chad Reuter's 5-round NFL mock draft image

Experts are putting out mock drafts in earnest as the 2024 NFL draft draws near and a recent five-rounder has the Las Vegas Raiders pulling in a good haul that addresses multiple key needs.

In Chad Reuter's five-round mock draft for NFL.com, the Raiders sacrifice a few mid-round picks to get their quarterback in the second round. They also check a few more important boxes before and after that move.

First, let's take a look at the picks, and then we'll break it all down and see if this is a good or bad mock for Las Vegas.

Round 1, Pick 13: OT JC Latham, Alabama

Round 2, Pick 33 (trade with CAR): QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Round 3, Pick 77: CB Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn

The Raiders end up with three players in Reuter's mock due to their trading their fourth- and fifth-round picks in the deal with the Carolina Panthers to move up to grab quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the second round.

Penix Jr. has the experience to immediately factor into the competition for the starting job with Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew, and he's got the goods to win that job and be the true difference-maker the Raiders need at the position.

Before that, the Raiders address their need at right tackle in a big (literally) way, with the selection of massive Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham, who should be a quality starter, at worst, in his first season.

Rounding out the mock for Las Vegas is the selection of Auburn cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, who best fits on the boundary, where the Raiders need another starter opposite Jack Jones, with Nate Hobbs expected to man the slot once again.

It's hard not to like what Reuter has done here. With the roster the Raiders have, they are in a good position to give up some draft picks in order to get their franchise quarterback, and they still managed to address two other major needs at right tackle and cornerback. 

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.