The Las Vegas Raiders have been involved in preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of trading up from their current No. 13 overall position in the 2024 NFL draft to secure a top-three spot, as per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
Responding to a reader’s query about whether the Raiders were pursuing a trade-up and to what extent, Breer disclosed, “The Las Vegas Raiders have had exploratory talks on moving up into the top three.”
Regarding the likelihood of such a move, Breer expressed skepticism, stating, “Will they do it? I don’t think the first three picks will wind up being traded, and, after you get past that, it depends on the team’s evaluation of McCarthy (and maybe a couple others). And from there, it depends on whether it gets to the point where the former Michigan QB won’t make it to No. 13 (which is certainly possible). We’ve still got a long way to go.”
Presumably, if the Raiders were to move up, it would be to select a quarterback. The latest mock draft from the Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Department predicts USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels as the top three picks.
However, the Raiders may encounter obstacles in executing such a move, particularly the need for a willing trade partner.
Although the Chicago Bears appear set to select Williams with the first overall pick, the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots also require long-term solutions at quarterback. The Patriots, in particular, parted ways with Mac Jones, suggesting they may seek a replacement.
Currently, the Raiders have Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew vying for the starting quarterback position, both of whom are serviceable but with limited potential. If the Raiders aspire to secure a top-tier quarterback to build their franchise around, trading up becomes imperative.
One potential option for the Raiders could be to target the No. 4 overall pick currently held by the Arizona Cardinals, especially if they favor prospects like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, who has garnered significant attention leading up to the draft.
While a move into the top three appears unlikely due to the teams occupying those spots, the Raiders can draw encouragement from their positive momentum entering the 2024 season. Under the guidance of former interim and now head coach Antonio Pierce, the team finished the previous season with a 5-4 record, including a victory over the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
