The Las Vegas Raiders have been making headlines ahead of this month’s NFL Draft, with much anticipation surrounding who the team will select with their first-round pick. While the focus is often on the first round, it is essential to remember that a team’s best pick may not always come on Day 1.
In 2022, the Raiders did not have a pick until the third round, but despite this, three of their selections from that draft are poised to start in the upcoming season. Running back Zamir White from Georgia, chosen in the fourth round, has emerged as one of the top additions from the 2022 draft class for Las Vegas.
White initially had limited playing time in his first season, as expected for a Day-3 prospect. However, he made a significant impact in his second season, helping the Raiders secure victories against top AFC West rivals such as the Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Denver Broncos. White showcased his talent by averaging around 108 rushing yards in those crucial games, including a standout performance of 145 rushing yards in the upset win against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas Day.
With Josh Jacobs departing to the Green Bay Packers this offseason, White has the opportunity to claim the starting running back position for the Raiders next season. His success serves as a reminder of the potential gems that can be found in the later rounds of the draft.
As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, there is optimism surrounding the team’s ability to identify talent beyond the first round. While the focus may be on the 13th overall pick, the success of Day-3 picks like Zamir White demonstrates that valuable additions can be made throughout the draft.
The 2024 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Detroit, Michigan, on April 25-27, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 13 overall pick. It will be interesting to see the new general manager, Tom Telesco, and his team’s approach to building a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
