The Las Vegas Raiders had a tumultuous season in Sin City. They have been unsuccessful in selecting first-round players, as they always try to be different. With Antonio Pierce joining the team, he needs to do his due diligence and possibly start selecting the best player available. Although the team is in dire need of a quarterback, they cannot compromise and pick a quarterback just to have one. If they cannot get the quarterback they want, they must examine their draft board and choose the best player available.
The Raiders were an eight-win team in 2023 but they aren’t completely void of talent in Vegas. They have an elite Edge Rusher, Wide Reciever, Left Tackle, and some really good young guys at important positions. With that being said the roster still needs some work. They aren’t just a quarterback away as they lack in cornerback depth, linebacker, right tackle, and interior d-line. So with all these positions needing to be filled the Raiders can’t rush the process.
Best Fits for the Las Vegas Raiders if they Miss Out on Quarterback
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Raiders over the past couple of years have done a decent job at developing players in the secondary. Nate Hobbs, Trevon Moehrig, and Amik Robertson all come to mind. With Jack Jones joining the Raiders and showing out and Hobbs continuing to improve every season the Raiders have tons of talent. They still do need to get an elite corner to shut down the high-flying passing attacks in the AFC.
Terrion Arnold out of Alabama seems like the perfect fit for this Patrick Graham defense that was playing amazing football at the end of the season. Arnold is a versatile corner who can play in both press-man and zone defense at a high level. He possesses elite footwork helping mirror the best receivers and seldom giving too much space. He is a heavy hitter never being a liability when it comes to making a tackle. Arnold has gotten better every season and has the statistics to back it up while also passing the eye test.
If Pierce could have any corner in the draft it would be hard to pass up on Terrion Arnold. Arnold is a hard hitter who plays with an incredibly high motor. He has stated on multiple occasions he wants players who play with Maxx Crosby-level effort and that’s exactly who Arnold is. If Arnold is available at pick 13 the Raiders will have him near the top of the draft board
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
The Raiders ranked 20th when it came to stopping the run in 2023. This comes from the sheer lack of talent on the interior of the defensive line. Arguably the best defensive tackle on the Raiders in 2023 was 34-year-old John Jenkins. Not to discredit what Jenkins did but the Raiders need more from the position in 2024. Look no further than the six-foot-two 295-pound Illinois product.
Newton is an exceptional football player who showcases his skills with a lot of style on the field, despite not being the largest player. He is highly athletic and versatile, capable of playing across all positions on the defensive line. Despite weighing almost 300 pounds, Newton moves with remarkable agility and quickness. He possesses an incredible burst of speed, allowing him to immediately impact the play and beat the offensive line right off the snap.
Newton has the potential to become the best defensive tackle in the 2024 draft class. He would complement Maxx Crosby and Tyree Wilson perfectly. The Raiders face Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes twice a year, and they need to devise a way to consistently put pressure on the quarterback. Antonio Pierce is likely to be impressed with Newton’s playing style and work ethic. Therefore, it won’t be a surprise if the Raiders pick Newton as a key player for their defensive line.
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The Las Vegas Raiders are in search of a new quarterback for the 2024 football season. However, they need to ensure that the new signal caller is well-protected. Kolton Miller has been a standout player for the Raiders for several years, improving with each passing season. Nonetheless, the offensive line cannot rely solely on him. The Raiders require additional support on the right side of the line. While Jermaine Eluemunor has been a reliable player for the team in recent years, he is currently a free agent. Meanwhile, Thayer Munford has not yet proven himself worthy of starting at right tackle.
Alabamas Jc Latham is a player who has recently gained attention and climbed up draft boards into the first round. Towards the end of the college football season, Latham displayed significant potential, particularly in his performance against undefeated Georgia. He possesses ideal NFL size, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 350 pounds. He excels in pass sets with his quickness, allowing him to maintain his position on the field. Additionally, Latham demonstrates exceptional athleticism when it comes to blocking in a zone run scheme. He can overpower defenders, creating opportunities for a significant gain in the rushing attack.
Antonio Pierce and Luke Getsy have expressed their desire to have a strong running game. Getsy is known for his exceptional skills in coordinating a successful rushing attack. He can utilize Latham’s superb run-blocking abilities to their fullest potential. Latham can also learn from one of the best in the business Kolton Miller as he learns to improve in his pass blocking and maintaining leverage. This all seems like another match made in heaven for Antonio Pierce.
So is it Quarterback or Bust?
The Raiders can’t be fixed with just a quarterback as some people believe. There are still many gaps in the roster that need to be addressed. Fortunately, this year’s draft has some exceptional talent at the tackle and cornerback positions, which are two areas where the Raiders need help. The team should try their best to get a top-tier quarterback in the upcoming draft. However, if they can’t get the player they want, they still have plenty of other options to choose from.
The Raiders need to ensure that they carefully scout and select the right player in the first round of this year’s draft. The careers of Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco, are tied to the success of the players they draft. They are under pressure to prove that Mark Davis made the right choice in hiring them. This year’s draft is crucial to their careers, so watching and seeing how they perform is important. After being at the bottom of the league for over 20 years, it’s exciting to see the Raiders try to return to the Raiders of the past. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Main Photo: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
