The Las Vegas Raiders are busy getting in visits ahead of the 2024 NFL draft later this month and recently added two more to the list.
Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Vegas brought in Washington State safety Jaden Hicks on a visit last week and, per TWSN's Tristen Kuhn, the Raiders hosted Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske on an official 30 visit.
For more on Hicks, we turn to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, who has the 6-foot-2, 211-pound safety projected to be a mid-round pick later this month:
Hicks' testing will be extremely important for his draft outlook, as teams will want to see how he can run and change direction. He's aggressive as a run-and-hit striker but doesn't get as many squared-up, run-through tackles as expected. He plays in the box as an add-on run defender, but he might be a better cover man. Hicks is a straight-line mover and will have his issues when asked to flow with big bending route breaks -- however, he plays with good instincts, has impressive ball skills and can line up over pass-catching tight ends. There are qualities to his game that could make him a feast-or-famine safety, but ultimately, he has the traits and upside to bet on in the middle rounds.
Zierlein also gives us more information on Fiske, who should be available on Day 2 of the draft:
Defensive tackle with below-average mass and length who makes up for it with above-average quickness and a constantly revving engine. Fiske uses sudden hands and nimble feet to whip single blocks. Once he finds daylight, he flies to whoever has the ball. He doesn’t have the anchor to sit down and muddy gaps, so scheme will be important for him. Fiske is a hustle rusher who can win quick or late if opponents don’t play with proper hand usage and match his energy. He lacks ideal measurables but has a chance to become an impact defender.
Fiske is an intriguing prospect because of his interior pass-rush ability but defensive line is not as pressing as other needs like quarterback, cornerback, right guard and right tackle.
One of the top safeties in this year’s draft, Washington State’s Jaden Hicks has been busy since running a 4.47 40 at his pro day two weeks ago: He’s working out for the #Jets today after visits to the #Browns and #Raiders last week. pic.twitter.com/wN3hPVrTtN
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 8, 2024
Safety is in the same boat in terms of immediate need, although starters Marcus Epps and Tre'von Moehrig are both set to hit free agency in 2025.