The Las Vegas Raiders had an interesting 2024 draft that saw them, perhaps, prioritize value over need. Their first selection, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, for example, won’t fill a massive void. However, Bowers, the second-overall prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s big board, was too good to pass up in Round 1.
The Raiders added a few pieces in the draft who should improve the roster sooner than later.
Of course, general manager Tom Telesco did plenty of hole-filling prior to the draft, adding the likes of quarterback Gardner Minshew, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, and running back Alexander Mattison. Telesco went back to work after the draft, adding veteran tight end Michael Gallup. With roughly $21.9 million in cap space remaining, the Raiders may not be done adding to the roster.
Here, we’ll examine three veterans who remain unsigned and who should be firmly on Las Vegas’ post-draft radar.
Edge Yannick Ngakoue
The Raiders added a few pieces in the draft who should improve the roster sooner than later. Bowers, for example, is already Las Vegas’ top receiving tight end. Jackson Powers-Johnson and Delmar Glaze should both compete for roles along the offensive line.
What the Raiders didn’t add was a high-end pass-rusher who can complement Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce. Las Vegas recorded a solid 46 sacks in 2023, but Crosby and Koonce were the only edge players to record more than 3.5 quarterback takedowns.
Bringing back Yannick Ngakoue, who was on the roster in 2021, would make plenty of sense. The 29-year-old only had four sacks with the Chicago Bears in 2023 but has been consistently productive in just about every other stop. He had 10 sacks during his lone season in Las Vegas and had 9.5 with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022.
Ngakoue can be inconsistent as a run defender, but as a situational sack artist, he’s one of the top options still available. He’s already familiar with some of the Raiders’ personnel, and he’d provide another veteran presence on the edge.
Sack master Yannick Ngakoue could be a great addition to the Raiders’ pass rush.
RB Jerick McKinnon
Telesco did snag a running back in the draft, taking New Hampshire’s Dylan Laube in the sixth round. While Laube might not be a particularly seasoned ball carrier, he’s a versatile pass-catcher who should vie for an early third-down role.
“Most of Laube’s value is in the receiving game,” Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. “Thanks to his quick feet and short-area burst, Laube is a lethal receiver underneath.”
Las Vegas will likely utilize a committee approach this year after leaning on Josh Jacobs as an every-down option for the last five. It wouldn’t hurt to carry another back into a camp competition that will feature Laube, presumed starter Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, and Ameer Abdullah.
Jerick McKinnon would be a logical candidate for a couple of reasons. He’s spent the last three seasons with the rival Kansas City Chiefs and would bring some divisional familiarity to the proverbial table. He also thrived in a pass-catching role in Kansas City (94 receptions in three years).
Adding McKinnon would give Las Vegas another option for the third-down role and a little insurance in case Laube isn’t ready to contribute right away.
Jerick McKinnon could be a great addition to the Raiders’ backfield.
CB Adoree’ Jackson
The Raiders also added another cornerback in the draft, taking Mississippi State’s Decamerion Richardson in the fourth round. Depth at the position is still questionable, though, and a team with playoff aspirations can never have too much secondary help.
Adoree’ Jackson would make a lot of sense as a post-draft addition. He spent a year under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham when both were with the New York Giants. He’s also an experienced starter who can upgrade the level of camp competition.
Jackson started 36 games over the last three seasons and did not allow an opposing passer rating above 100.0 during that span. He might not walk in and take a starting job, but he could push players like Richardson and second-year man Jakorian Bennett.
At only 28 years old, Jackson could be more than just a one-year stopgap for the rebuilding Raiders if everything goes well. Though he hasn’t played special teams extensively since 2019, he could give Las Vegas another return option for the new-look kickoffs that will go into effect this season.
Adoree’ Jackson could be a great addition to the Raiders’ secondary.
The Raiders still have some holes to fill, but with some savvy free-agent signings, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC West.
The Raiders are looking to make a push in the AFC West this season.
In other news, the NFL Network has apparently pulled the plug on Total Access, the nightly studio show devoted to all things NFL. The show remains on NFLN’s online schedule, but the majority of the show’s staff was laid off on Friday.
“Like any successful organization, the NFL regularly evaluates its workforce to ensure the proper support of strategic priorities including international expansion, the growth of flag football, and the evolution of digital and media platforms,” the league told Ben Axelrod of AwfulAnnouncing.com in a statement. “We have made the difficult decision to part ways with some employees to allow us to further invest in these growth areas and ensure the continued strength of our game and the business.”
A.J. Perez of FrontOfficeSports.com separately reported that the league concluded a round of layoffs over the past 24 hours, with “some NFL Network employees” included.
It’s not uncommon for the league to tighten the belt after the draft. That’s when the work flow dips, making it easier to part ways with employees and regroup. It is uncommon for the league to systematically dismantle a cable channel that is becoming a YouTube channel of old games and NFL Films shows. Really, what’s left on NFL Network if/when Total Access goes?
The NFL Network is going through some changes.
