7 players on the Las Vegas Raiders' first-round wishlist heading into the week of the 2024 NFL Draft

We will continue to say this, probably a million more times until Thursday, but the Las Vegas Raiders have a stressful decision to make coming up in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. No one knows what will happen in fact. The only thing we know will happen is that the Chicago Bears will take quarterback Caleb Williams No. 1 overall.

The Raiders could trade up to No. 2, 3, 4, or anywhere between there and No. 13. And, who knows, maybe they get a sweet deal and trade back for a ton of picks, go in on Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew this season, but draft another quarterback late.

We simply have no idea what the Raiders will do. And, really, they don't know either. We won't know until Thursday, which is when fireworks can go off. But what we do know is that the Las Vegas Raiders are interested in some of the players. So, let's put ourselves in Tom Telesco's shoes and envision who is on the Raiders' wishlist.

1. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

There is no secret in the NFL world that the Raiders and Jayden Daniels are interested in one another. In fact, it may be one of the more well-known things about this draft. Daniels wants to be a Raider. He wants to play for Antonio Pierce, whom he played under at Arizona State and has known since he was a teenager.

The Raiders want him because of that connection and because they feel he can be that guy to turn around the franchise. He would also be a perfect fit in Luke Getsy's offense. Right now, he is trending toward being the No. 2 quarterback off the board. So, if they want him, it's obvious they will have to trade up, but he is on their wishlist.

2. Michael Penix, QB, Washington

If the Raiders cannot trade up, I am willing to bet they will target Penix at pick No. 13. And why shouldn't they? By the time pick No. 13 rolls around, Williams, Daniels, Maye, and McCarthy will likely all be off of the board, so they will need to grab one. The only thing with Penix and where the Raiders draft - is that the Denver Broncos ahead of them can draft him at No. 12.

Penix is still really good and has a high ceiling, and we know the Raiders are interested because of all the reports we have heard, including a recent one that says the Raiders and Penix pairing up is becoming more of a reality.

3. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The Las Vegas Raiders have more needs than just a quarterback on their list. Their second biggest need is likely going to be a cornerback. This draft is full of cornerbacks who can be effective players in the league throughout every round. The two best cornerbacks in the draft should fall right around pick No. 13. Both of them are going to be on the Raiders' wish list.

Terrion Arnold is a guy the Raiders will likely target if they can't get a quarterback. Arnold has one of the highest ceilings in this draft and can be a key contributor to a top-five defense right away. Arnold will be a highly coveted prospect in this draft, as he is the most balanced cornerback in this draft. Arnold has already visited with the Raiders, too.

4. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Mitchell is either the best or second-best cornerback in this draft. However, he is the cornerback who fits Patrick Graham's defensive system the best since he plays press-man the best. He isn't bad at zone, but it's obviously one of the things he needs to work on the most. Mitchell has a very high floor, as he seems to be a player who will always be good enough to play.

On most big boards, Mitchell is considered to be a top-15 pick in this draft. Just like Arnold, if a quarterback is not available, I would expect them to target one of these two guys. Mitchell will be the one that Graham wants the most.

5. Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

The Oregon State offensive lineman is predicted to be a top-15 pick. The Las Vegas Raiders have a clear need on the offensive line and will need to improve it if they want their future quarterback to have time to throw in the pocket. They will need to have a good offensive line. That is where drafting Taliese Fuaga comes in. And, to make things even better - Fuaga has versatility.

Fuaga has played both offensive guard and offensive tackle at Oregon State. So, if he needed to move positions for some reason, he could do that. He is said to be at his best when he plays as a tackle. Fuaga has the potential to be an anchor on the outside. Even if the Raiders don't draft a quarterback, you can never have too many good offensive linemen,that also pertains to the Raiders current quarterback room.

6. Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

As we stated earlier, the Las Vegas Raiders need an offensive tackle. At pick No. 13, they can take several different approaches. If they don't go with a quarterback, an offensive tackle seems like the smartest move for an offense that struggled a lot in 2023. Fautanu can help that a lot.

Fautanu is widely projected to be a prospect that does not make it out of the first ten picks. However, this is a wishlist for the Raiders. They certainly have their eye on him for Thursday night. Fautanu has a big body but has light feet. He may struggle in Luke Getsy's offensive system at first, but he would be a great fit long-term. He is a prospect who has not often allowed his quarterback to be touched. If the Raiders walked away on day one with Fautanu, they would be very happy. 

7. Byron Murphy, DT

The Las Vegas Raiders just signed Christian Wilkins to a huge contract this off-season, in what was the splashiest move of the summer. After re-signing John Jenkins and Adam Butler this off-season, they don't really need a defensive tackle. However, if they wanted to stack up the position and have the best defensive line in the NFL, they can.

Murphy is a guy they could probably trade back and get in the first round. For some reason this stock has fallen a bit, even after a great NFL Combine. However, his future is very bright as he possesses all of the physical and athletic traits to be a monster. Putting Murphy next to Wilkins, Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, and Tyree Wilson would be awesome.

The Raiders can make so many different decisions in the first round on Thursday. But these seven would be the ones they would want to happen the most.