Tom Telesco’s one-and-done tenure as general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders was marked by a mix of bold decisions, near-misses, and an evolving quarterback dilemma that ultimately shaped the franchise’s future—and his departure.
Appearing on the “Check the Mic” podcast, Telesco offered rare insight into the thinking behind the Raiders’ 2024 NFL Draft strategy, particularly regarding the quarterback position. Despite public pressure and an elite QB class, Telesco remained measured in his approach.
Tom Telesco Talks Assessing Raiders QB Options In 2024 Draft
“We did a lot of work and talked a lot about [Michael Penix Jr.], but in the end, probably not,” Telesco admitted. He later added, “Now, looking back, if I knew I only had one year there, maybe that would’ve been different.”
That comment captured the tension between long-term planning and short-term expectations—an imbalance that contributed to the regime’s collapse after just one season. Telesco clarified that the team had serious interest in only one quarterback: 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels.
“Like Jayden Daniels, that one would’ve been easy,” he said. “But to give up that many assets… we need as many as possible to build up the team.”
Daniels, of course, never made it to Las Vegas’ No. 13 draft slot. He went No. 2 overall to Washington and promptly led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game, capturing NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Telesco said a trade-up wasn’t realistic—both due to Washington’s unwillingness to move and the Raiders’ need for picks to rebuild a thin roster.
When it came to the other quarterbacks—Bo Nix, J.J. McCarthy, and Penix—the evaluations varied. Telesco openly acknowledged that Penix’s college injury history gave the team pause. “Taking a quarterback that high, that has to be a concern,” he explained.
Bo Nix, on the other hand, received a warmer review. “Bo Nix would’ve been a good possibility [at 13],” Telesco said, praising the former Oregon quarterback’s durability, mobility, and extensive experience. But the Denver Broncos selected Nix one pick before the Raiders, making the point moot.
Instead, Las Vegas selected Georgia tight end Brock Bowers at No. 13—a decision that, at least in hindsight, was a silver lining. Bowers delivered an All-Pro rookie season and finished as a finalist for Rookie of the Year, behind only Daniels and Nix.
Telesco’s first and only draft wasn’t without success. In addition to Bowers, he added All-Rookie offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson and starting right tackle DJ Glaze in the early rounds—an impressive haul by any measure. But without a long-term quarterback and after a 4-13 season, both he and head coach Antonio Pierce were dismissed.
In retrospect, many within Raider Nation wonder what might have been had the team pushed harder for a quarterback. Penix eventually landed in Atlanta, where he’s poised to take over for Kirk Cousins. Nix led Denver to 10 wins and a playoff berth. Even though neither was on the board at 13, critics point to the conservative draft posture and the decision to sign veteran Gardner Minshew instead of targeting a rookie QB as defining missteps.
Still, some of Telesco’s moves laid a foundation. The Bowers pick, in particular, was widely seen as a steal—similar to Justin Herbert falling to him in the 2020 draft while with the Chargers. Whether that was great scouting or good fortune remains a point of debate.
The Raiders have since turned the page. Veteran quarterback Geno Smith provides stability, and a new leadership duo—head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Spytek—has brought renewed direction. With a talented young core and a patient approach to finding the next franchise quarterback, Las Vegas may be better positioned now than at any point during Telesco’s brief tenure.
Still, his draft philosophy—strategic, methodical, but ultimately cautious—offers a telling case study in how fine the margins can be between building for the future and surviving the present.