Raiders’ Strategy in the 2024 NFL Draft: Finding Offensive Weapons and Addressing Needs
The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2024 NFL Draft with high hopes of finding a franchise quarterback. However, by the time they were on the clock at No. 13 in the first round, all the top quarterbacks had been selected. Instead, they opted to add a different offensive weapon to their roster by drafting Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.
Bowers, a versatile pass catcher, is seen as a steal at this point in the draft. As a two-time Mackey Award winner, he has proven himself to be a mismatch wherever he lines up on the field. With his ability to get open and gain yards after the catch, Bowers brings a unique skill set to the Raiders’ offense. Despite not working out at the combine or pro day due to a hamstring issue, scouts have no concerns about his abilities. Bowers was consistently the best player on the field during his time at Georgia.
According to Dane Brugler, Bowers has the potential to be an NFL star in the mold of George Kittle. However, it will be crucial for the Raiders to go heavily out of 12 personnel to make the most of Bowers’ talents alongside last year’s second-round tight end, Michael Mayer. While Bowers may not have filled an immediate need for the Raiders, his value and potential make him a worthy pick.
In the second round, the Raiders addressed their needs along the offensive line by selecting Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson, the 2023 Rimington winner, is a powerful athlete who excels as a run blocker. Despite some concerns about his injury history and size, Powers-Johnson is praised for his toughness and potential impact on the team’s culture. Dane Brugler compares him to Ryan Kelly, a former Rimington Award winner and first-round pick.
With their third-round pick, the Raiders selected Delmar Glaze, an offensive tackle from Maryland. However, this pick was seen as a reach by many scouts who believed Glaze would be better suited as a guard and likely a fourth-round selection. This pick raised questions about the Raiders’ decision to not address their defensive needs, which were seen as more pressing. While Glaze has potential to develop into a starter, the pick did not match the team’s needs or value.
Overall, the Raiders’ strategy in the 2024 NFL Draft focused on finding offensive weapons and addressing needs along the offensive line. While their first-round pick of Brock Bowers brought value and versatility to their offense, their second-round pick of Jackson Powers-Johnson added toughness and athleticism to their offensive line. However, their third-round pick of Delmar Glaze raised concerns about the team’s decision-making and failure to address defensive needs. Only time will tell how these picks will impact the Raiders’ future success.