The Las Vegas Raiders are in the middle of determining which players are the best fits for their team in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Raiders, along with the rest of the league, will be in Indianapolis, Ind., for the NFL Scouting Combine this week. This serves as a chance for General Manager Tom Telesco to see which players are most athletic on the field and who best fit the team culture off the field.
Coach Antonio Pierce now takes over in a full-time role, hoping to get the team back to the postseason that they were close to reaching in 2023. Raiders fans will hope these new draft picks will result in wins in 2024.
One player who is familiar with winning is Michigan defensive end Jaylen Harrell. Harrell, one of the top contributors on a National Championship-winning team, now heads to the NFL.
Harrell finished his Wolverines career with 78 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and 10 sacks. The All-Big Ten Honorable Mention had a good week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., hoping to improve his draft stock.
Harrell stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 242 pounds, possessing ideal size for an outside linebacker in the NFL. He has a massive upper body and thick legs that he uses when he rushes the passer.
When watching Harrell on tape, his skills as a pass rusher stand out. He can push the pocket with strength and explosiveness off the snap. He never takes a snap off, giving 100 percent effort every play.
According to Pro Football Focus, Harrell generated 31 total pressures. His best skill at the next level is expected to be his ability to rush the passer. His strength and effort should keep him on the field, at least in a rotational role.
Harrell is also good against the run, using that same explosiveness and effort to chase down ball carriers. If he can be consistent in both areas, he will be on the field much more than expected.
Harrell is a good pass rusher, but he relies on his athleticism. He may need to develop a pass-rush move or two to truly thrive in the NFL.
Harrell is currently projected to be a seventh-round selection but could improve his stock with a good combine performance.
If the Raiders are looking for a relentless pass rusher who can also play the run, Harrell could be an option.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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