Las Vegas Raiders draft picks and rookie quarterback draw attention

The Raiders’ 2024 NFL Draft decision to select tight end Brock Bowers instead of a quarterback has been highlighted as a key success, with Bowers delivering one of the most explosive rookie seasons for his position. Analysts also proposed a redraft scenario where the team would have taken defensive prospect Byron Murphy II, noting: “It’d be easy to go with a different pass catcher, but instead, I’d argue Murphy is the best player still available in this redraft.” Trade speculation continues around Maxx Crosby, with the addition of a player like Murphy potentially influencing future moves.

Looking ahead, the 2026 draft sees the Raiders selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick. Mendoza named his “Mount Rushmore” of NFL QBs – Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Dan Marino and Aaron Rodgers – and praised Brady’s involvement as a minority owner, saying, “Being involved with the Raiders, his involvement's been awesome.” The rookie, a Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana, is expected to help reverse the team’s long playoff drought.