B+
Las Vegas Raiders
A franchise passer in McCarthy headlines a B+ weekend for the Raiders.
by Chilly99 ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 2 steals
· 1 reaches
Start where it matters. The Raiders took J.J. McCarthy to run the offense for the next decade, and every other decision this weekend bends around that one. Call it a sensible B+, earned the boring way.
The Devonshire steal is the beam this whole class leans on. They robbed the room blind at the table, and it lifts the grade on its own.
They will regret leaving tight end for another day if the season turns on it.
Not a headline-grabber, but a perfectly good weekend's work.
Pick-by-Pick
In No. 18 they get a franchise quarterback, reach and all. A clean fit for the roster.
A clean, defensible pick in pick 44 with a little surplus value in Darius Robinson. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
No edge and no loss on Max Melton in slot 77; it is a wash and a sensible one. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
Fair-plus on Bucky Irving, a quiet win that adds up over a draft. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
Sataoa Laumea at Round 4, Pick 12 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
Good price on Ainias Smith in the 148th pick, a hair ahead of his grade with no real quibbles. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Nathaniel Watson in the Round 6 slot is fair value, right on his grade. It adds depth where they could use a little.
Jaylen Harrell is a better player than the 223rd overall pick suggests; smart patience, rewarded. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
M.J. Devonshire at slot 229 is the steal of the weekend, a first-round talent at a bargain-bin price. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.