NFL MOCK Draft 1.0: Raiders First, Second, Third Round

In the first of many NFL Mock drafts that we will provide, we look at what could be a viable first and second-round draft scenario for the Las Vegas Raiders.

HENDERSON, Nev.—As the NFL Draft quickly approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders have many needs.

Normally, I do not offer my NFL Mock drafts until after the NFL Combine. However, I am hearing some interesting information, so we began them earlier this season.

After speaking to multiple NFL coaches, executives, scouts, and players, we offer you our first Mock Draft based on players we know that the Raiders have significant interest in and scenarios we have had presented to us by people within the confines of the National Football League.

1st Round 13 Overall:  Terrion Arnold CB Alabama

With the way that the top of the NFL Draft falls, the Silver and Black think that Christmas came early when the No. 1 CB in the 2024 draft, one of the most immediately ready players in the draft and a total tactician who plays the CB position on an island as a one-on-one magician, falls to them. Arnold has 4.4 speed, and paired with Jack Jones at the other cornerback spot, and Nate Hobbs on the inside, he offers the Raiders a corner group that will be solid for years.

Our SI Fan Nation NFL Draft analyst says of him: "Arnold is the complete cover man in a deep class." My colleague Kyle Crabbs goes further, saying: "A technically sound defender with tons of potential, Arnold’s ability to crack the starting lineup so quickly while playing for legendary head coach Nick Saban is a great testament to his football intelligence, and he brings physicality with his instincts to offer stout coverage on the perimeter."

The Las Vegas Raiders would be fortunate to see Michigan Wolverine quarterback J.J. McCarthy drop to the second round in the 2023 NFL Draft / © Junfu Han | 2024 Jan 13

2nd Round 44 Overall, J.J. McCarthy, QB Michigan

McCarthy is often discounted because of his passing numbers, but that is by people who don't consider the offense he ran at Michigan.  In the CFB playoffs this season, he displayed some amazing arm talent (shown previously as well, but not on as big of a stage) with his exceptional leadership and running skills.

One NFL Scout for a very successful team that does not need a quarterback told me; "J.J. is the real deal. Today's value has him slipping into the second round, so I can see this scenario of the Raiders getting him here, but as the NFL Combine and all of the interview and Pro Days commence, it will be hard to keep him out of the first round. We are set at qauarterback around here, but we have him as our second best QB on the board, and we have him with a first-round grade."

My colleague Kyle Crabbs says: "McCarthy has a hand cannon, capable of shooting footballs effortlessly down field and hitting on big plays. He serves as a great complement to the running game that Michigan has long implemented, and would likely benefit from a similar situation at the NFL level. He’s best served in a vertical passing offense that wants to be aggressive and push the ball, thanks to his arm strength and ability to work downfield out of structure."

3rd Round 77 Overall, Kiran Amegadjie, T Yale

This monster of a human had some division one offers, such as Central Michigan, but went to Yale, where he embraced the educational component and is one of the smartest players in this draft.

Amegadjie has all of the size and is incredibly athletic.

My colleague Kule Crabss says: "Amegadjie is clean with his feet in run-blocking situations and illustrates the functional balance both on the line of scrimmage and on the second level to stay connected to defenders. Many offensive linemen will leave their feet behind in these situations, but Amegadji showcases the foot activity and the flexibility throughout his lower half to play on a dynamic base and adjust in space to maintain his posture and power." 

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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