The latest 2024 NFL mock draft from The Athletic has the Raiders trading up for Michael Penix Jr.

We’ve seen NFL mock drafts with Michael Penix Jr. either as a first-rounder or somewhere in the second round.

There’s a middle ground of sorts — he could be a low first-rounder or a high second-rounder given all of his upside. In our latest NFL mock draft from Christian D’Andrea, he’s got Penix to the New York Giants at pick No. 27 in the second round. But in a 7-round mock from The Athletic, Dane Brugler has Penix going to the Las Vegas Raiders with a trade up to pick No. 30 in the first.

Here’s his take on why that makes sense.

According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, “the whispers are getting louder” that the Raiders might draft Penix at No. 13. But this scenario feels like the better option, even if it means parting with a pair of Day 2 draft picks. A polarizing player among NFL front offices, Penix is an aggressive downfield passer with the mental toughness that will certainly stand out for Pierce and his staff.

There you have it! Make sure to check out our latest two-round mock draft from Christian D’Andrea, along with the current NFL draft order for Round 1.