New Raiders TE Brock BowersJustin Casterline/Getty Images
Las Vegas Raiders fans should be excited about what the 2024 season has in store. Las Vegas began to develop a tough, physical identity under interim coach Antonio Pierce last season, and Pierce now has the full-time gig.
Additionally, the Raiders added a couple of key free agents in Christian Wilkins and Gardner Minshew who are likely to make an immediate impact. New general manager Tom Telesco then focused on value in the draft, giving Las Vegas a strong mix of immediate and future contributors.
Here, we'll examine the former group and identify three Raiders rookies who are most likely to make an immediate impact in 2024.
Other members of the draft class are still loaded with long-term potential, but these prospects have a combination of ability and opportunity that should get them on the field early.
TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
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Despite a claim from Detroit Lions rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold that the Raiders made their first-round selection via a coin flip, Las Vegas wasn't willing to pass on the value of drafting Brock Bowers at 13th overall.
"No call, and no coin flip," Pierce said, per ESPN's Ryan Clark. "As soon as the last two QBS Went off the board. We SAID BOWERS all the way."
It was a smart strategy, as Bowers has enough upside and playmaking potential to be the first non-quarterback off the board in just about any draft that didn't feature Marvin Harrison Jr.
Bowers was the second-ranked prospect at any position, behind only Harrison, on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's final draft board. He's an elite pass-catcher who can generate big plays both before and after the catch. And, with all due respect to 2023 second-round pick Michael Mayer, he's already the best tight end on the roster.
After racking up 2,538 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns in jury in 40 collegiate games, Bowers carries no questions about his NFL floor or ceiling. He'll be productive right away and could vie for first-team All-Pro honors as a rookie.
IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
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Telesco came back for more value in Round 2, snapping up Oregon lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson. The 23rd-ranked prospect on the B/R board, Powers-Johnson easily could have been a first-round selection.
"He does have a few technical aspects of his game to clean up, but his physical traits and makeup should allow him to start right away at either center or guard without being dependent on scheme while providing Pro Bowl potential within his first contract," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
While rookie third-round pick Delmar Glaze will get a chance to compete for a starting job, Power-Johnson should step right into one of the starting guard spots—likely replacing Greg Van Roten, who remains unsigned.
Glaze will likely compete at right tackle Thayer Munford Jr., who showed some flashes when given the opportunity to start last season.
Powers-Johnson will face more of a learning curve than Bowers, as he was only a one-year starter in college. However, his physical floor is high enough that he should offset any rookie mistakes and provide a significant boost on the interior.
Both the running game and the passing game should be better with Powers-Johnson in the lineup.
RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
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Glaze, cornerback Decamerion Richardson and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg will all have opportunities to see the field as rookies. However, none of them have a clear and obvious path to a starting job.
Rookie sixth-round pick Dylan Laube isn't likely to start either, but as a running back, he can still make a big impact as a rotational player.
The Raiders lost every-down back Josh Jacobs in free agency. They'll now lean on a committee led by Zamir White and free-agent addition Alexander Mattison. Laube's skill set and premium receiving ability should get him a regular place in the rotation.
"Thanks to his quick feet and short-area burst, Laube is a lethal receiver underneath," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "New Hampshire even made it a point to line him up as a wide receiver regularly."
Laube should quickly become a valuable chess piece for new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. He can be an outlet target out of the backfield or serve as an extra receiver on the perimeter or in the slot.
Expect Laube to be a bit of a gadget player initially, though he should make enough explosive plays to have an immediately positive effect. Don't be surprised if he climbs the depth chart over the course of Year 1 to settle in as the No. 2 back behind White.
