How Raiders are changing QB plans shortly before draft
The Raiders are calling an audible on drafting a QB during the first round on April 27, but they're still doing their homework on intriguing late-rounders.
Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson recently met with the Raiders on a visit. Thompson-Robinson is a projected third-rounder and was sixth in the FBS in completion percentage last season (69.6 percent).
The Athletic's Vic Tafur also listed Fresno State's Jake Haener as a potential option because he possesses intangibles Las Vegas covets.
"I think play-processing and accuracy are the big ones, along with the ability to stand in the pocket and deliver," wrote Tafur. "I think Haener, though a little undersized, is a good Round 3 or 4 target."
Haener is six-foot and 207 pounds, but proved he could overcome his slight frame at the Senior Bowl, where he won the game's MVP. Selecting a QB in the first round would make sense for the Raiders because starter Jimmy Garoppolo is injury-prone. Over the past five seasons, he's missed 31 games.
However, several QBs could become unavailable before Las Vegas' first-round pick at No. 7. Longtime ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. predicts the first four picks will be QBs, and Seattle will trade up, snagging Tennessee's Hendon Hooker with the No. 5 pick.
Therefore, the Raiders' next move is to improve their defense, which ranked 28th in points allowed last season. It could work out for Las Vegas because it will solve a significant problem and grab a young QB later in the draft who can learn under Jimmy G.
More must-reads: