There’s some solid newcomers in Las Vegas this season
The Las Vegas Raiders tried to load up in free agency and the draft this offseason and they added some intriguing players. Let’s rank them by expected impact in 2024:
Christian Wilkins, defensive tackle:
Sometimes, there’s lay ups and you gladly take them. Yes, this was that easy. Wilkins was one of the best free-agent signings in the entire NFL this season. The defensive lineman is a true impact player against both the pass and the run. He is a high-character leader who brings so much to the table. His addition should be a major boost to a strong defense. This is a big deal.
Brock Bowers, tight end:
This is another major addition. The tight end from Georgia was a steal at No. 13. He should add so much to the Raiders’ offense and has a chance to be a premier player at his position in the coming years and be a key component of the offense as a rookie. This was a big-time get.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, guard:
There is a lot of excitement about the Raiders getting the guard from Oregon in the second round. He is hard-nosed, high-character type who has a chance to be an anchor of this offensive line for the next decade. His impact should be felt immediately.
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Gardner Minshew, quarterback:
This is tricky because we don’t know if he is going to be the starting quarterback or not. But I think this is the right slot for the free-agent addition. Whether he begins the season as the starter or not, the odds are we will see Minshew making an impact of some sort at some point this season.
Tommy Eichenberg, linebacker:
This is a hunch. I see the fifth-round pick playing more than some may think at linebacker as a rookie. He’s a smart player who fits this defense and he should get a fair amount of playing time as the season progresses.
Others considered:
Tackle Andrus Peat, running backs Alexander Mattison and Dylan Laube, wide receiver Michael Gallup, guard Cody Whitehair.