Raiders draft 2024: Position round range

Where will the Raiders concentrate in which round?

The Las Vegas Raiders have needs heading into the April 25-27 draft and they have eight picks to address the needs.

The question is what positions will the Raiders focus on in what rounds. Let’s take a look at each position and when they could make a move for a player at that position:

Quarterback

Round range:

1-3

The Raiders will look to draft a quarterback as early as possible. If the right fit isn’t there with the No. 13 overall pick, they will look in the second round (they could always trade up at any time). I doubt the we’ll get past the Raiders’ third-round pick (No. 77) without them addressing this position.

Running back

Round range:

3-5

The Raiders have bigger needs, but expect them to consider a running back in the middle rounds especially with Zamir White being largely unestablished as a starter (plus he has just two years remaining on his contract) and with veteran Alexander Mattison signing just a one-year deal. The draft is stocked with good running backs in the middle rounds. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Raiders end up with one of them.

Wide receiver

Round range:

4-7

This is not a need position. But, like most positions, it could use some more depth if the right player is available at the right time. So we shouldn’t be shocked if the Raiders use a Day Three pick on a receiver.

Tight end

Round range:

4-7

The Raiders traded up to draft starter Michael Mayer in the second round last year. While, they could use more youthful depth, it would be a surprise if the Raiders are aggressive here. Perhaps they will consider a prospect if they like one on Saturday.

Offensive tackle

Round range:

1-7

If the Raiders don’t address the quarterback position in the first round, they very easily could take their next starting right tackle at No. 13. This is a deep position at the top of the draft. So, this could be a sweet spot. If not, any round is possible. Yes, Las Vegas could take multiple tackles in this draft.

Guard/center

Round range:

2-5

The Raiders could use a starting guard and they could address that position at basically any time. The third or fourth round could make sense for a value pick here.

Defensive end

Round range:

4-7

The Raiders don’t have a big need here. But they have studied some prospects and using a late-round pick on a lottery tick at a premium position like this is worth considering.

Defensive tackle

Round range:

1-7

This likely is the fourth most probable position Las Vegas will look to address in the fourth round, but it’s not out of the question. The Raiders could take a defensive tackle at any point of the draft.

Linebacker

Round range:

3-7

The Raiders could use youth here, but it’s not a super-pressing need and this linebacker class isn’t considered great. So, they Raiders will likely be selective here.

Cornerback

Round range:

1-7

The Raiders could easily tab a cornerback with their first pick. If not, every pick they make until they take a cornerback is a realistic possibility. Like tackle, this could be a two-pick position for the Silver and Black.

Safety

Round range:

3-7

This isn’t an immediate need area. However, both of the Raiders’ starting safeties, Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps, are entering the final season of their contract. So, a mid-round pick of a safety makes sense here.

Conclusion:

We know the big need areas. Once those choices are addressed, the Raiders have the flexibility to pick-and-choose throughout the draft to bolster the roster the best way the draft board presents itself.