The Las Vegas Raiders have so many options and different roads they could take at pick No. 13. They can go get the quarterback they so desperately need, or they could go with a cornerback, offensive tackle, or any other position if the fit is right.
Most people, including myself, think the Raiders are going to try to draft Michael Penix in the first round. If they cannot trade up, that would be the smart thing to do. However, there is also a possibility that Penix goes before pick No. 13.
If that were to happen, the Raiders need a backup plan. I have done mock drafts with the Raiders drafting a cornerback, like a guy in Terrion Arnold. However, their recent news would suggest they aren't ruling anything out when it comes to what position they take.
According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, the Raiders were in attendance at Johnny Newton's pro day at Illinois, where the likely first-round defensive tackle was showing off his play.
Illinois DT Johnny Newton, a projected 1st-round pick, just wrapped up an impressive Pro Day — showcasing elite explosion and power after a Jones fracture that he’s fully healed from.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 16, 2024
I’m told the following teams were in attendance, among others:
Bills
Cowboys
49ers
Jets… pic.twitter.com/ggMIiIBkub
Here are some of Newton's strengths and weaknesses from our big board:
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
The Raiders just signed Christian Wilkins this offseason, who is one of the best defensive tackles in the league, if not the second best, right behind Chris Jones on the Kansas City Chiefs. So, I think that if the Raiders do take a defensive tackle, I think it will be on day three. However, if they built a defensive line of Maxx Crosby, Wilkins, Tyree Wilson, and Newton, it would be one of the best, if not the best, in the entire league.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!