Recap- Looking Back on the Raiders Eight Draft Picks for the 2024 Season

From the first round to the seventh, the Raiders' draft picks reflect a blend of talent, versatility, and potential, aimed at addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals. Here's an in-depth look at the eight players who now don the Silver and Black.

Raiders Secure Elite Talent with Brock Bowers in the First Round

With the 13th overall pick, the Raiders selected Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers, standing at 6-4 and weighing 230 pounds, is a dynamic playmaker known for his exceptional athleticism and hands. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against defenders made him a top prospect in this draft.

Before the draft, many experts were closely watching the Las Vegas lines, which hinted that the Raiders might focus on improving their quarterback position. However, when the Falcons selected Micheal Penix Jr. and the Broncos went with Bo Nix just ahead of them, it stunned the Raiders’ front office, forcing them to pivot and eventually select the best player on the board, which they believed was Bowers at the time.

The Raiders envision Bowers becoming a cornerstone of their offense, providing Gardner Minshew with a reliable and explosive target. His contributions are expected to not only impact the scoreboard but also play a crucial role in how the team's odds are perceived in future matchups.

Bolstering the Offensive Line: Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze

In the second round, the Raiders addressed their offensive line by selecting Jackson Powers-Johnson, a guard from Oregon, with the 44th overall pick. Powers-Johnson is a powerful and versatile lineman, standing at 6-3 and weighing 334 pounds. Known for his strength and agility, he can play multiple positions along the line, making him a valuable asset for the Raiders' protection schemes.

The third round saw the Raiders further strengthen their offensive line by picking DJ Glaze, a tackle from Maryland, with the 77th overall pick. Glaze, at 6-4 and 323 pounds, brings versatility and reliability to the Raiders' offensive front.

Shoring Up the Defense: Decamerion Richardson, Tommy Eichenberg, and Trey Taylor

The Raiders turned their focus to defense in the middle rounds, starting with Decamerion Richardson, a cornerback from Mississippi State, selected with the 112th overall pick (fourth round). Richardson's 6-2, 195-pound frame and impressive speed, highlighted by a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, make him an ideal candidate to match up against some of the league's top receivers.

In the fifth round of the NFL draft, the Raiders continued to add defensive talent by selecting Tommy Eichenberg, a linebacker from Ohio State. Eichenberg, standing at 6-2 and weighing 239 pounds, is known for his high football IQ and relentless motor.

The seventh round saw the Raiders draft Trey Taylor, a safety from the Air Force. Taylor, at 6-0 and 213 pounds, brings leadership and a physical style of play to the Raiders' secondary.

Adding Depth with Dylan Laube and M.J. Devonshire

In the later rounds, the Raiders focused on adding depth and potential with their selections. In the sixth round, they picked Dylan Laube, a running back from New Hampshire, with the 208th overall pick. Laube, standing at 5-10 and weighing 208 pounds, is a versatile back with the ability to contribute both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

With their final pick in the seventh round, the Raiders selected M.J. Devonshire, a cornerback from Pitt, with the 229th overall pick. Devonshire, at 5-11 and 179 pounds, is a quick and agile defender who excels in man coverage.

Conclusion

The Raiders' 2024 draft class is a testament to the organization's commitment to building a well-rounded and competitive team. By addressing both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, the Raiders have positioned themselves to improve in key areas.