Just Win Baby! – Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Draft Profile

There is a new buzz of optimism in the Las Vegas Raiders’ facility. New head coach Antonio Pierce had the team playing lights out during the second half of the 2023 season, and now is looking to keep that success going in 2024. The key to that is getting new and improved talent in the building by way of the 2024 NFL Draft.

 

Olu Fashanu, Tackle, Penn State

Kamal Hadden, CB, Tennessee

Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane

 

Despite the need at quarterback, the Raiders have a chance to improve at multiple spots with ownership of the 13th overall pick. The signing of Gardner Minshew also buys them some time with QB so they can turn their attention to improving the roster in other areas.

It would be a tough task to pass up on a blue-chip prospect if they fall into your lap. That could very well happen on draft day with the Raiders and star left tackle Olu Fashanu. Fashanu is easily one of the best prospects in the entire class and could arguably be the best at his position.

Fashanu sports a long frame with light feet and violent hands at the point of attack. He hasn’t allowed a sack in his college career and that is a testament to his sound technique. He rarely finds himself out of phase with pass rushers, stuffing them with a solid anchor when being bull rushed. His kick step is fluid and smooth, allowing for him to mirror speed receivers with ease as well.

Plugging Fashanu in as a starter would give the Raiders an upper level starter for the next decade plus.

The next need on the board is defensive back, namely cornerback. Despite not getting one of the top names in the class, Vegas could snatch up one of the under-the-radar gems in the mid to late rounds.

Tennessee defensive back Kamal Hadden is as versatile a cornerback as they come. He plays with great anticipation routes and utilizes his length to break up passes. Hadden is great when mirroring receivers in zone or man coverage, flashing fluid hips when driving on the ball. Hadden does get handsy when covering deep balls, but that can be coached out over time. Vegas can get a solid player to plug in as a CB3 that can develop into a solid starter.

Quarterback is still a need for this team, but getting a day one starter is not as much of a priority. Getting a rookie to groom for a season would set the team up for long-term success.

Michael Pratt is a QB who has been flying under the radar throughout the draft process. Pratt has all the tools to be a force in the NFL with time. He plays well off platform, throws from multiple arm angles, utilizes his eyes to manipulate defenses and create windows and possesses rare mechanical maturity at this young juncture of his career. Pratt has exceptional production, throwing for at least 20 touchdowns in all four years at Tulane.

Pratt would step in as a backup for a season or two and eventually take over the reigns as the starter for this Raiders team. His skills are already far ahead of the curve, and a year to acclimate to the speed of the NFL would only benefit him as he develops.

For the Las Vegas Raiders the motto of the draft should be, “Just Win Baby!” If they carry that attitude throughout the process, they will ascend to new heights in the future.