The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot to figure out this offseason, beginning with whether or not to re-hire interim Coach Antonio Pierce.
The Raiders have a 7-9 record this season, but the play of star defensive end Maxx Crosby, quarterback Aidan O’Connell, and wide receiver Davante Adams has given the franchise hope heading into the offseason and the 2024 NFL Draft.
Adams and Crosby revealed their picks for next season’s head coach. Following the death of a Super Bowl hero, the Raiders planned to honor him.
As the season comes to a close, the Raiders’ 2024 NFL Draft prospects become clear.
Here are four that could elevate the Raiders from pretenders to contenders in 2024-2025:
1. Jer’Zahn Newton of Newton, Illinois-
Newton, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound defensive lineman, has the talent and command on the defensive line to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks and running backs for the Raiders.
For an overmatched Fighting Illini team, Newton had 7.5 sacks on the season. If the Raiders select him in the 2024 NFL Draft, he and Crosby could provide a one-two punch that would make opposing quarterbacks’ lives a living nightmare in the AFC West.
Numerous media outlets named Newton a first-team All-American. He has now received All-American honors in consecutive years. He should be available at the 11th overall pick, which the Raiders are expected to make.
2. Washington-based Michael Penix Jr.
Aidan O’Connell has performed admirably in place of Jimmy Garoppolo for the Raiders.
Nonetheless, his completion percentage of 61.9% is disappointing for a quarterback who is surrounded by talented pass catchers like Adams and Michael Mayer.
Penix Jr. could be selected by the Raiders between the 10th and 15th picks, and if so, he could be the steal of the draft.
Penix Jr. is throwing the ball as well as any player in college or pro football right now for the Washington Huskies.
His accuracy, mobility, consistency, and maturity merit a Raiders selection.
Terrion Arnold of Alabama-
Arnold is an underappreciated cover corner who doesn’t get much attention when paired with Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Arnold has the speed and coverage ability to stay with outside or slot receivers.
He’s expected to go between picks 10 and 15 and could help the Raiders’ secondary, which ranks 18th in the NFL in passing yards allowed.
Cooper DeJean (Iowa)-
Cooper DeJean, the Hawkeyes’ star cornerback, was injured late in the season and has since declared for the NFL Draft.
