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.