What are experts predicting the Raiders will do at No. 13?
There has been a dramatic shift when it comes to what the Raiders are projected to do with their first-round pick in most mock drafts.
Major free-agent signings tend to have that effect.
The Raiders were forecasted by many mocks to take a defensive tackle with the 13th overall pick. That focus has changed after the team signed Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract.
The club also gained some flexibility by signing quarterback Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million deal. He’s not the long-term solution the Raiders hope to find, but he makes the team’s immediate need at the position less pressing.
First-year general manager Tom Telesco saw a new roster hole open up as well when right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor left to join the Giants.
With the free agency dust settled, here is a look at some of the latest draft predictions and what is being said about the Raiders’ selection:
Joel Klatt, Fox Sports
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
“With five quarterbacks already off the board, I’m not sure if the Raiders should reach for the sixth one here. But they don’t really seem to have a direction at the moment. So, let’s just give them an offensive lineman. Do any of us know what the Raiders are doing? What’s their identity? Who knows?”
Derek Tate, Pro Football Network
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
“The early run on quarterbacks forces the Raiders to pivot at 13th overall. This development turns out pretty well, with the organization landing right tackle Taliese Fuaga out of Oregon State, who plays with the type of nastiness that could instantly make an impact for the running game in 2024.”
Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
“An alpha along the front five, Taliese Fuaga has outstanding hands and a road-grading mentality that fits what (coach) Antonio Pierce desires in his athletes.”
RJ analysis: Fuaga is becoming a popular pick for the Raiders, who still have promising prospect Thayer Munford on the roster. Fuaga’s effort is an attractive attribute. He often overcomes mistakes by not quitting on blocks. He could also play guard if needed.
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
“The right side of the Raiders’ offensive line could use a big, run-blocking presence from the draft. Latham’s grip strength and head-to-toe power fit the identity of what head coach Antonio Pierce wants this team to be.”
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
“In my last mock draft, I had the Raiders taking the best interior penetrator in the class in Byron Murphy II (Texas). Well, that no longer makes sense after they gave free agent Christian Wilkins a massive deal, plugging a hole in the middle of their defense. I’m not ruling out edge rusher or quarterback as a possibility with this pick — they did add Gardner Minshew in free agency to at the very least be a bridge passer — but I keep staring at their depth chart and wondering who’s going to play right tackle. Let’s fill that void with Latham, the best right tackle in this class. Latham started 27 games at the position in college, surrendering just two sacks and 16 total pressures. He can also dominate in the run game with his 6-foot-6, 342-pound body. Las Vegas is remaking its run game without back Josh Jacobs, who signed with Green Bay, and Latham could be an integral part of its rebuild. The Raiders ranked 28th in yards per rush attempt (3.7) last season.”
RJ analysis: Tackle continues to be a popular choice for the Raiders. Latham probably has a higher ceiling than Fuaga.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
“The Raiders signed Gardner Minshew to compete against Aidan O’Connell. However, I don’t think those two quarterbacks have the ceiling that Penix does in the NFL. There’s an assumption that Penix is more of a second-rounder, but I believe his skill set is a unique fit for the Raiders’ style of play.”
RJ analysis: Four quarterbacks were gone in the top four picks in this scenario. The selection of Penix is fine, but the key question with him is what teams think of his medical report.
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
“The Raiders should be aggressive in trading up for a quarterback, but with no deal done here, they attack a major area of need by selecting a potential CB1 in Arnold.”
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
“Hearing Arnold talk, he sure does sound like the type of guy Antonio Pierce would love to have on his defense.”
RJ analysis: Brinson must love the pairing of Arnold and Pierce. CBS lists Arnold as the No. 5 cornerback and No. 33 prospect overall, yet still made him made him the first defensive back off the board at No. 13. It’s not certain Arnold will be a star, but it is a safe bet Raiders fans will love him.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.
