On Wednesday afternoon in Indianapolis, Antonio Pierce sported his signature diamond stud earrings, a black Raiders hoodie, and fresh white low-top Converse Chuck Taylors, wearing a smile from ear to ear.

Even being engrossed in talent evaluation at the Scouting Combine, Pierce exuded confidence and comfort, clearly thriving in his element.

What adds intrigue to Pierce’s first NFL Combine as the Raiders head coach is his transition from the player’s perspective two decades ago, when he was a linebacker from Arizona, eagerly pursuing a spot in the NFL.

“It’s cool because I get to call their bluff. I know when they’re ‘BSing’ me,” Pierce joked about conducting interviews with prospects. “We’re having a lot of fun with the guys in there because they’re coming in guarded. We have this booklet that has thousands of these things that we know about the player already and it’s cool to sit there and watch and see if they’re going to tell the truth, be blunt and honest or try to guard themselves.

“But it’s a very stressful time for these guys. Multiple interviews, you’re on the clock, you hear horns buzzing and people yelling down the halls. It’s really interesting to see who can stay focused during this time period and who takes this seriously.”

Pierce openly discusses the player profiles he seeks in the draft, aiming to enhance.competition across various positions, This includes the quarterback room, offensive and defensive lines, and the secondary. While acknowledging the team’s existing quality assets, he emphasizes the importance of continuously bolstering depth.

Moreover, he emphasizes the team’s pursuit of another quarterback, but highlights Aidan O’Connell’s impressive rookie season performance. O’Connell finished with a 3-1 record and an impeccable 8:0 touchdown-interception ratio, underscoring his significance to the Raiders.

“I’m watching a gentleman that knows he has a lot to work on, and the first thing he did once the season was over is get his butt right back in the building,” Pierce said. “It would be disrespectful for me to talk about anyone other than Aidan, but Aidan does know there’s competition. … That’s one thing about this team, they’re very competitive and they understand it’s next-man up mentality.”

When questioned about the intangible qualities he seeks in young prospects, he mentioned that those chosen by the Raiders will embody “a touch of AP.” He then listed several traits that align with what General Manager Tom Telesco also emphasized as essential attributes.

“Leadership,” Pierce said, “tough, passion, love for the game, and they want to be a Raider.”

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By Vincent Quezada

Photos Courtesy of Las Vegas Raiders