NFL Draft Q&A: Las Vegas Raiders intel, needs and more

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in downtown Detroit, surrounding Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. ABC, ESPN and NFL Network will televise the event, streamable on platforms such as NFL+, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. 

Additionally, six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick will co-host "The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular" during Thursday's first round, which will be available to watch on ESPN+ and YouTube. 

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is on April 25 at 8 p.m. ET. Rounds 2 and 3 begin on April 26 at 7 p.m. ET, while the fourth through seventh rounds will be held on April 27 starting at noon ET. 

How has the Raiders' offseason unfolded so far? 

After changing the culture for the better following Josh McDaniels' mid-season firing, Antonio Pierce had the interim tag removed from his title and was named Las Vegas' head coach. The Raiders later made a big splash in free agency, inking former Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110M deal to create a formidable tandem with edge-rusher Maxx Crosby. Las Vegas also notably brought in QB Gardner Minshew II on a two-year, $25M contract to compete with 2023 fourth-rounder Aidan O'Connell for the starting role. 

How many picks do the Raiders have? 

Due to previous trades with the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings, the Raiders own eight selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. Here is a full list of Las Vegas' draft picks: 

• Round 1: No. 13 overall 
• Round 2: No. 44
• Round 3: No. 77
• Round 4: No. 112
• Round 5: No. 148
• Round 6: No. 208
• Round 7: Nos. 223 and 229 

What are the Raiders' biggest positional needs entering the draft? 

Offensive line, cornerback and quarterback.

The Raiders might need to draft at least two offensive linemen to compete for starting jobs in 2024 after RT Jermaine Eluemunor signed with a new team. Meanwhile, RG Greg Van Roten is an unrestricted free agent. Adding a cornerback early in the draft would also be beneficial, given that Las Vegas defense had a modest 13 interceptions last season. And while the Raiders signed Minshew earlier this offseason, it'd still be wise to draft a signal-caller, as the right quarterback could make all the difference in reaching the playoffs this season. 

Who could the Raiders target in the first round? 

Texas DT Byron Murphy II: Although defensive tackle isn't a pressing need for Las Vegas, Murphy is the only consensus first-round prospect who reportedly took a top-30 visit with the team, suggesting he's a legitimate option at pick 13. The 6-foot, 297-pounder is undersized for his position, but he uses his strength and explosiveness to be disruptive in the backfield, which could propel the Raiders defensive line to even greater heights. Murphy set career highs across the board last season, racking up 29 tackles, 8.5 for loss and five sacks. 

Washington OL Troy Fautanu: A left tackle for his entire collegiate career, many analysts, including ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., believe Fautanu can have a successful NFL career at guard. Fautanu was unquestionably the top player on Washington's offensive line last season, a unit that took home the Joe Moore Award, allowing just two sacks and 17 pressures. Fautanu's positional flexibility would be an asset to the Raiders as they try to determine their most effective offensive line combination. 

Which prospects could be in play for the Raiders later in the draft?

Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.:  If Las Vegas intends to continue adding to its quarterback room, trading up in the second round to select Penix, the runner-up for the 2023 Heisman Trophy, might be the most realistic course of action. While his extensive injury history is concerning, Penix possesses impressive arm talent and could thrive throwing to Raiders WRs Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Last season, Penix led the Huskies to a 14-1 record, throwing for an FBS-leading 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns. 

Maryland CB Ja'Quan Sheppard: A potential Day 3 pick, Sheppard -- who took a top-30 visit with the Raiders -- made significant strides in his lone season with the Terrapins after spending four years at Cincinnati. Over the last two seasons, Sheppard collected 81 tackles, 7.5 for loss, two sacks and 18 pass breakups. With the versatility to play safety, Sheppard could develop into a useful contributor to the imposing Raiders defense.