General manager Tom Telesco of the Las Vegas Raiders is approaching his first draft in charge with a long-term perspective. Recognizing the team’s need to address both current and future roster needs, Telesco emphasizes selecting players with the potential to contribute significantly for the next four to five years or more. This approach aligns with the common practice in the NFL, where general managers and organizations prioritize drafting the best available player rather than solely focusing on immediate needs.
Historically, the Raiders have faced challenges in both evaluating talent and character in recent draft classes. The team has often struggled to retain players selected in the first round, with only one such pick from 2019 to 2021 still remaining on the roster. Additionally, the entire seven-player draft class from 2020 has since departed. These missteps have contributed to the Raiders’ struggles, resulting in only one winning season in the past seven years.
Telesco’s task is to reverse the team’s fortunes. Nailing the Raiders’ eight selections in this year’s draft, beginning with the 13th overall pick, would be a crucial step towards rebuilding the roster. A closer examination of the team’s recent draft history reveals a pattern of wasted premium picks.
Between 2019 and 2023, the Raiders made 38 draft selections, including seven in the first round. However, only 17 of those players remain with the club. Tyree Wilson, the seventh overall pick last season, is the only remaining first-round pick from that period. Star defensive end Maxx Crosby, a 2019 fourth-round pick, is the Raiders’ last remaining player from the 2019 and 2020 draft classes.
The struggles of former general manager Mike Mayock and coach Jon Gruden stand out as particularly damaging. They oversaw the 2019-21 drafts and had the opportunity to set the Raiders up for success after acquiring extra picks by trading away key players. Instead, their decisions set the franchise back. Only one of their six first-round picks, running back Josh Jacobs, earned a lucrative second NFL contract, which he signed with the Green Bay Packers.
Mayock and Gruden’s struggles extended beyond the first round. Their failures created roster holes that the Raiders continue to address. However, they did show signs of improvement in 2021, finding four starters in safety Tre’von Moehrig, defensive end Malcolm Koonce, linebacker Divine Deablo, and cornerback Nate Hobbs outside of first-round pick Alex Leatherwood.
General manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels, who oversaw the 2022 and 2023 drafts before being fired midway through last season, continued building on that momentum. They traded away their first- and second-round picks in 2022 for star wide receiver Davante Adams. With their remaining six selections, they unearthed promising players such as starting guard Dylan Parham, running back Zamir White, and offensive tackle Thayer Munford.
The Raiders’ nine-player haul in 2023 could also prove to be strong. Wilson, despite an inconsistent rookie year, showcased his potential late in the season. The team hopes that a full offseason dedicated to football will help him reach his potential after a foot injury affected his preparation last year. The Raiders also acquired four contributors in tight end Michael Mayer, wide receiver Tre Tucker, quarterback Aidan O’Connell, and cornerback Jakorian Bennett. Defensive tackle Byron Young, safety Christopher Smith, linebacker Amari Burney, and defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera could also play expanded roles in 2024.
Telesco now has the responsibility of building upon the progress made in recent drafts. He will get his chance on Thursday night as the NFL Draft unfolds. The Raiders’ success in the coming years will hinge on their ability to identify and develop talented players who can contribute long-term. Telesco’s long-term vision provides a solid foundation for the team’s future.
