While the Las Vegas Raiders aren't widely viewed as 2024 contenders, there's a very real chance that they could be a surprise playoff team. Las Vegas showed a lot of growth over the second half of last season, and, on paper, the roster is now stronger.

As the interim coach, Antonio Pierce helped the Raiders come together as a team and show that they can compete in the NFC West. New additions like quarterback Gardner Minshew, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and rookie tight end Brock Bowers can help make Las Vegas more than just relevant.

Of course, the Raiders' success, or lack thereof, in 2024 could well hinge on how a few key position battles unfold in the coming weeks. While Las Vegas is on the upswing, not every roster spot is settled.

With organized team activities (OTAs) already underway, let's examine the biggest positional competitions to follow through the remainder of the Raiders' offseason.

Offensive Line

The Raiders have their left tackle in Kolton Miller and their center in Andre James. Dylan Parham has developed into a strong starter at right guard, which leaves only two positions relatively unsettled heading into 2024.

If new head coach Antonio Pierce is looking to build a physically dominant AFC West contender, he'll need to unleash a powerful offensive line. This makes the battles at left guard and right tackle pivotal.

Rookie second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson is a pro-ready prospect who may step directly into the guard spot. However, the Raiders added Cody Whitehair and Andrus Peat this offseason too, so there will be competition.

Peat is a longtime starter with experience at left guard, while Whitehair has experience under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

At right tackle, the battle will be between holdover Thayer Munford Jr. and rookie third-round pick Delmar Glaze. While Munford has the edge in pro experience, Glaze is arguably a higher-upside player.

While fans won't always get excited about seeing linemen compete in practice, the competitions along the line could go a long way toward yielding offensive consistency in 2024.

Tight End

If we're being honest, we'll be shocked if rookie first-round pick Brock Bowers isn't Las Vegas' starting tight end in Week 1. Bowers is arguably the best tight-end prospect of the modern era and was the No. 2 overall prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's final draft board.

"Bowers is a truly special player with the ball in his hands who can instantly transform any passing game," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

However, Bowers isn't the only talented tight end on the roster. 2023 second-round pick Michael Mayer will be in the mix as well, and the Raiders added Harrison Bryant in free agency.

Bryant largely played a complementary role behind David Njoku with the Cleveland Browns, but he has a load of athletic potential. He tallied 791 yards and 10 touchdowns over the past four seasons, so he's shown he can make a difference in a minor role.

This will be a fascinating competition to track because it will be fun seeing how Getsy chooses to utilize all of that tight-end talent. He's shown that he knows how to prioritize the position—Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet amassed 719 yards and six touchdowns last season—and he could unleash a truly dangerous tight-end rotation in 2024.

Quarterback

This is the big one because no role is as important as the starting quarterback job. As a rookie, Aidan O'Connell showed some flashes in 2023, finishing with a respectable 83.9 quarterback rating and a 5-5 record as the starter.

Because of his experience with players like Mayer, Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, O'Connell may have the early edge in the QB competition.

"Aidan's earned the right to go out there and get the first snap," Pierce said, per ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "What he's done this offseason -- changing his body, his work ethic, being here every day, blocking out the outside noise. He's not worried about anything. I'm excited."

Of course, the Raiders brought in Gardner Minshew on a two-year, $25 million deal in free agency. That's not the type of contract that suggests either quarterback will be handed the starting job.

And Minshew, who made the Pro Bowl as an alternate last season, could provide an upgrade. He stepped in for an injured Anthony Richardson in 2023 and nearly led the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs.

Minshew can provide a bit of a roller-coaster experience at quarterback, but he's serviceable when given the opportunity to start. With a career 90.2 QB rating, he's better than what some teams are likely to trot out in 2024.

If Minshew wins the starting job or pushes O'Connell to beat him out, Las Vegas should have improved quarterback play this season. If they do, they'll have a chance to make real noise in the division this season.