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What the Las Vegas Raiders will end up doing on draft day is truly anyone’s guess. Raider Nation can at least take some comfort in knowing that general manager Tom Telesco has a notable track record with this event.
There’s been tons of conjecture and hearsay about the Raiders and the route they’ll take. Let’s face it: Raider Nation likes to get itself excited, only to experience the grim reality that can only come with disappointment. Still, when you take into account the success that Telesco experienced with the Los Angeles Chargers, you’d be hard-pressed to have some optimism. That’s especially true in the first two rounds.
With that being said, let’s look at what a realistic scenario might look like in those pivotal rounds. And by realistic, we mean no illusions of grandeur with regard to a “blockbuster trade.”
Las Vegas Raiders Mock Draft: Latest 2-Round Scenario…
Round 1, Pick 13: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
This offseason, the Raiders need another cornerback; the room is looking rather thin these days. Sure, it’s far from empty, but outside of Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs, a casual fan would have trouble naming any other players from that group.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham needs another playmaker; enter Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell.
Best player in this draft who most fans have never seen? Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell. “I’m actually showing a tape of him in our team meeting later this week. His technique, the aggressiveness that he plays with, are things you can study to help your game. He’s a very physical…
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 11, 2024
From a physical standpoint, Mitchell is as impressive as they come. He’s a true athletic specimen, with the right amount of explosiveness and speed that you need to be an NFL cornerback. The acceleration and downhill movement should translate at the next level—Mitchell will essentially shut down his side of the field, and opposing quarterbacks will be fools to throw it his way.
While Mitchell may not be a perfect prospect, proper coaching can address the issues that plague him. Learning to take it easy with the overaggressiveness and improving with press coverage are things that Graham can help with.
Round 2, Pick 44: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Bo Nix recently made headlines with some interesting comments about how he feels about “winning” and “trying.” In particular, some were getting flashbacks of Derek Carr—whether that’s just or unjust is up to your discretion. In terms of football prowess, the Raiders could end up with an intriguing prospect in Nix.
Is Bo Nix, Derek Carr 2.0? #Raiders I get that vibe from his game and interviews with football being important but not top priority.
— MarinRaider (@MarinRaider) April 12, 2024
Nix put on an excellent throwing performance at the NFL Combine. However, many Raiders fans just aren’t impressed. Fandom aside, Nix has the tools to be an NFL quarterback—more importantly, he’s a natural dual-threat signal-caller who can make things happen with his legs. That alone should have Raider Nation salivating. You might not believe it, but if you look at the tape, Nix consistently proved he can read defenses—a benefit of being a 24-year-old rookie with five college seasons under his belt.
A quarterback’s room with Nix, Aidan O’Connell, and Gardner Minshew is miles ahead of what Josh McDaniels assembled last season. At the end of the day, Nix could be the right choice.
More must-reads:
- AFC East check-in: Most, least improved position groups post-draft
- Draft expert thinks unheralded Western Michigan DE is a steal for Cowboys
- The 'Most career passing touchdowns' quiz
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