The Las Vegas Raiders have begun a new era under head coach Antonio Pierce. He was the team's interim head coach for part of the 2023 season before signing a contract this offseason that cements Vegas' commitment to the Pierce way. Pierce has a similar appeal to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. For one, both are former players who seem to relate well to their players and earn their respect. However, Pierce and the Raiders have a long way to go before they're talked about like the Lions.

One major roadblock is at quarterback. The Raiders have a handful of options at the position, but no definitive franchise guy. Aidan O'Connell grabbed the heart of fans after gutsy performances in 2023 in relief of Jimmy Garoppolo. Gardner Minshew signed a surprisingly lucrative two-year $25 million contract during free agency which includes $15 million guaranteed. The 2024 NFL Draft did not fall the way the Raiders wanted and they were left without a first-round rookie QB.

Make no mistake, the future is bright for the Raiders. But fans will have to be patient with this team as they find an identity.

Raiders don't make an aggressive move for a QB

It's hard not to criticize how the Raiders handled their QB situation this offseason.

Part of this critique hinges on how many QBs the Raiders passed on this offseason and how there isn't a clear plan on how they might upgrade the position in the future. Ignoring the draft for a moment, the Raiders missed out on both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson during the free agency period. Both were very easy to acquire and didn't require a big investment. Either QB would have come cheaper than Minshew and with more contractual flexibility as well.

It would have also been nice to see the Raiders feverishly trying to move up the board after they saw the run on QBs start. That said, Michael Penix Jr. may have been their guy and his surprise pick at eighth overall may have shocked the Raiders as much as it did the rest of us.

You never want to put too much stock into what people are saying about the next year's draft class in May, but the 2025 class doesn't look good right now. Do the Raiders suffer from scarcity at the position in the next year's draft? Or will they be just successful enough to lose the draft position they would need to pick a QB next year? Perhaps they could trade for a QB, but who? And how expensive would it be?

Regardless, it's hard to feel optimistic about the 2024 season for the Raiders with quarterback still a question mark.

Passing on an elite tackle prospect in the first round

The Raiders picked Brock Bowers at 13th overall. Pairing him with Michael Mayer gives Vegas an elite pair of tight ends who have complementary skill sets. The pick is very easy to defend.

That said, the Raiders may have been better served picking an offensive lineman instead. Las Vegas had their pick of the following top offensive linemen who were still on the board at 13: Taliese Fuaga, Amarius Mims, Troy Fautanu, and Graham Barton.

Some of these players even boast position versatility, allowing them to plug in wherever they're needed on the offensive line. If the Raiders were worried about reaching on one of these players, a potential trade down could have netted additional resources and still saw the Raiders land an exciting player.

Credit where it's due — the Raiders selected G/C Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round of the draft. Not only is he an incredible prospect but the Raiders got him at a solid discount in round two.

The Raiders will enter the 2024 season with Kolton Miller and Thayer Munford Jr. as their starting tackles.

Raiders don't land a wide receiver in incredibly deep draft class

Yes, the Raiders drafted Brock Bowers who is basically a wide receiver.

However, it is surprising that Vegas didn't spend any mid- or late-round picks on a wide receiver. This year's draft class was incredibly deep and talented and several players lasted until the very last round of the draft.

It may have been smart to invest in the future at wide receiver and stash someone who could learn behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers for a year or two.

The Raiders did sign Michael Gallup following the draft, but he provides veteran depth and not long-term upside.