Raiders Draft 2024: Early Grades

Las Vegas adds premiere prospects in first two rounds, nab talented defenders on Day 3

Tom Telesco’s first draft as the Las Vegas Raiders general manager is in the books and it was interesting to see the personnel man operate.

Telesco, his crew of scouts and assistants were smooth operators over the course the three-day 2024 NFL Draft and the the Silver & Black didn’t move up or down in any round and simply made selections.

The first and second round picks were best player available-type selections but gave the Raiders two premiere prospects to a roster in dire need of talent. And not surprisingly, both picks — Georgia tight end Brock Bowers and Oregon guard Jackson Powers-Johnson — were on offense.

After all eight picks were made, the split was 50-50, however. Four prospects on offense, four on defense. And as the selections were made, it’s clear Telesco heeded the architype of players head coach Antonio Pierce wants on his football team.

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Let’s get to the early grades:

Round 1

No. 13: Brock Bowers, Tight End, Georgia

Grade: A

The slew of quarterbacks flying off the board allowed Las Vegas to sit back, relax, and nab a top 5 prospect at the 13th overall selection. Bowers is a weapon that can be lined up at all wide receiver spots and traditional tight end and gives offensive coordinator Luke Getsy an elite prospect to move around like a mismatch nightmare chess piece.

Round 2

No. 44: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Guard, Oregon

Grade: A+

Just an absolute perfect fit for the ill intent and violence Pierce wants from his Raiders. Powers-Johnson can immediately jump in and duke it out for a starting guard spot due to his ability, competitiveness and mean streak, and he’s a plug-and-play type that can be a taskmaster of an offensive lineman in the Raiders’ trenches for a long, long time.

Round 3

No. 77: Delmar Glaze, Offensive Tackle, Maryland

Grade: B-

Strong and got better each year in college, Glaze will need to refine his footwork and hand fighting skills. He’ll also need to move better at the pro level. But the foundation is there for a brute right tackle who can be a true steam roller in the run game. He’ll have show he can hang with NFL rushers but with his massive wing span will help.

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Round 4

No. 112: Decamerion Richardson, Cornerback, Mississippi State

Grade: B+

A throwback to a fast (4.34 second 40-yard dash time) and big (6-foot-2) corner that was a staple of the Silver & Black, Richardson is a sure tackling defensive back that can hang with faster receivers. His height and length will do him well at he next level as will his aggressive nature, but he didn’t produce a single interception in college.

Round 5

No. 148: Tommy Eichenberg, Linebacker, Ohio State

Grade: A+

Another home run in terms of philosophical and schematic fit. A frenetic defender who is a tackling machine and football junkie, Eichenberg will feel right at home with Pierce in Las Vegas. Highly instinctive and a never-ending motor, Eichenberg was the middle linebacker in Ohio State’s 4-2-5 alignment — something the Raiders run, too.

Round 6

No. 208: Dylan Laube, Running Back, New Hampshire

Grade: B+

The Raiders might’ve found their new third-down back. Laube is an impressive route runner and pass catcher out of the backfield and tracks the ball like a wide receiver. And he’s built low to the ground and a tough runner between the tackles. But it’s his receiving skills, ability to pass protect, and be a special teams ace that’ll be Laube’s calling card.

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Round 7

No. 223: Trey Taylor, Safety, Air Force

Grade: A

The Jim Thorpe Award winner showcases high football IQ and can play either free or strong safety spots. Taylor, who receives critiques and knowledge from cousin and NFL hall of famer Ed Reed, has similar ball skills and natural instincts to be disruptive. The one area of concern: Speed. He’s quick to diagnose and go but his long speed is a question mark.

No. 229: M.J. Devonshire, Cornerback, Pittsburgh

Grade: B+

A fast defender who trusts his instincts and athletic ability, Devonshire is a read-and-react corner when in off coverage which will suit him for the Raiders defense. He keeps his eye on the quarterback and has the burst and ball skills to make signal callers pay for their mistakes. Offers return man potential along with skillset to be a special teams ace.