Draft Recap and Impact Discussed for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the dust settles on the 2024 NFL Draft, analysts, fans, and the Las Vegas Raiders organization itself have turned to recapping the team’s selections and debating their potential impact on the upcoming season and beyond. The Raiders entered the draft with clear needs—strengthening the offensive line, adding depth to the secondary, and bolstering the pass rush—and their picks reflected a strategic focus on addressing those gaps while also investing in long-term talent. From a first-round offensive tackle to late-round gems at cornerback and linebacker, each selection has sparked conversations about how it will fit into head coach Josh McDaniels’ system. Draft Recap and Impact Discussed for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the Raiders’ draft class, evaluates the immediate and future value of each pick, and explores how these new players could shape the team’s competitiveness.

The Raiders’ draft began with a statement pick in the first round (17th overall): offensive tackle Tyler Harrison from the University of Michigan. Harrison, a 6’6”, 315-pound lineman with three years of starting experience, was widely regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in the draft—known for his strength in pass protection and agility in run blocking. The pick addressed a critical need for the Raiders, who struggled with protecting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo last season (allowing 42 sacks, the 10th-most in the NFL). Analysts praised the selection, noting that Harrison could step into a starting role at right tackle immediately, pairing with left tackle Kolton Miller to form a solid bookend for the offensive line. During post-draft press conferences, McDaniels emphasized Harrison’s “high football IQ and work ethic,” calling him a “foundational piece” for the offense. For the Raiders, this first-round pick not only fixes an immediate weakness but also provides stability for the offensive line for years to come. Draft Recap and Impact Discussed for the Las Vegas Raiders frames Harrison’s selection as a cornerstone of the Raiders’ draft strategy, aligning short-term needs with long-term success.

In the early Day 2 picks, the Raiders shifted focus to the defensive side of the ball, selecting cornerback Jalen Hawkins (second round, 49th overall) and linebacker Marcus Green (third round, 83rd overall)—two players expected to add depth and playmaking ability to a defense that ranked 18th in points allowed last season. Hawkins, from LSU, is a physical cornerback with experience in both man and zone coverage, and he’s projected to compete for a starting job opposite veteran Amik Robertson. His speed (4.43 40-yard dash) and ball skills (12 pass breakups in 2023) make him a threat to create turnovers, a area where the Raiders struggled last season (recording just 15 interceptions). Green, a standout from Penn State, is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside, offering McDaniels flexibility in defensive formations. He’s known for his tackling precision (115 total tackles in 2023) and ability to drop into coverage, addressing the Raiders’ need for a reliable backup to starters Denzel Perryman and Divine Deablo. Post-draft analysis suggests both Hawkins and Green could see significant playing time as rookies, either as starters or key rotational players. Draft Recap and Impact Discussed for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights these picks as smart, value-driven selections that address multiple defensive needs.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, the later rounds of the draft (Days 3 and 4) focused on finding “sleepers” and depth pieces that could develop into contributors over time— a strategy that has paid off for the team in the past (see: Maxx Crosby, a fourth-round pick in 2019). The Raiders’ Day 3 picks included defensive tackle Jamal Thompson (fourth round, 121st overall), wide receiver Devon Reed (fifth round, 158th overall), and punter Liam Kelly (sixth round, 195th overall). Thompson, from Oklahoma, is a powerful interior lineman who can clog running lanes and generate moderate pass rush, providing depth behind starters Bilal Nichols and Adam Butler. Reed, a speedster from TCU (4.38 40-yard dash), adds competition to the wide receiver room and could contribute on special teams as a returner—filling a void left by the departure of Brandon Bolden in free agency. Kelly, from the University of Florida, is expected to compete with incumbent punter AJ Cole for the starting job, bringing a strong leg (46.2 career average) and consistency. For the Las Vegas Raiders, these late-round picks are low-risk, high-reward investments that could either provide immediate depth or develop into key players down the line. Draft Recap and Impact Discussed for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how these selections round out the draft class and enhance the team’s overall depth.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ draft class also includes undrafted free agents (UDFAs) who could surprise and make the final roster—a group that often flies under the radar but can have a significant impact. This year, the Raiders signed 10 UDFAs, including running back Terrell Davis (not to be confused with the Hall of Famer) from Georgia Tech, tight end Sam Wilson from Texas A&M, and safety Jaylen Carter from Ole Miss. Davis, a physical runner with good vision, could compete for a backup role behind Josh Jacobs and Zamir White, especially if the Raiders look to reduce Jacobs’ workload. Wilson, a blocking-focused tight end, adds depth to a position that includes Darren Waller and Foster Moreau, and he could see playing time in short-yardage situations. Carter, a ball-hawking safety, has the potential to contribute on special teams and as a backup in the secondary. While UDFAs face long odds to make the roster, the Raiders have a history of developing them—last season, UDFA cornerback Isaiah Pola-Mao made the team and played in 14 games. For the Las Vegas Raiders, these UDFA signings are an extension of their draft strategy, adding even more depth and competition to training camp. Draft Recap and Impact Discussed for the Las Vegas Raiders notes that these under-the-radar additions could be critical to the team’s success, especially in the event of injuries.

Finally, the overall impact of the Raiders’ 2024 draft class will be measured by how well these players integrate into the team’s system and contribute to winning games—a process that begins in training camp and extends through the regular season. Early projections suggest the draft class will have an immediate impact: Harrison starting at right tackle, Hawkins competing for a starting cornerback spot, and Green contributing on special teams and defense. Long-term, the class has the potential to reshape key position groups, from the offensive line to the secondary, and provide the Raiders with a core of young talent to build around. However, there are also questions: Can Harrison adjust to the speed of the NFL? Will Hawkins handle the pressure of a starting role as a rookie? Can the late-round picks and UDFAs develop into reliable contributors? These questions will be answered in the months ahead, but for now, the Raiders’ front office is confident in their selections. During the final post-draft press conference, general manager Dave Ziegler said, “This class addresses our biggest needs while also adding talent that fits our culture. We’re excited to see what these guys can do.” Draft Recap and Impact Discussed for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that the 2024 draft is a critical step forward for the Raiders, one that could help them compete for a playoff spot in the short term and establish a foundation for sustained success in the long term.