Mock draft has Raiders selecting 'near carbon copy' of former MVP

On Tuesday, CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson predicted the Raiders would select Louisiana State quarterback Jayden Daniels with the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

"Comparison is the thief of joy — that's true in almost all facets of life," wrote The Athletic's Diante Lee. "It's hard not to see a silhouette of a young [ Baltimore Ravens QB] Lamar Jackson, though, when Daniels hits the field for LSU, and some similarities can't be denied."

Daniels is a prototypical dual-threat QB. This season, he's rushed for 918 yards and eight TDs on 114 carries. He's also completed 71.4 percent of his passes for 3,164 yards, 30 TDs, four interceptions and a 94.1 QBR, first in the FBS. As of Tuesday, oddschecker gives him the second-best Heisman odds.

"Daniels is not as naturally elusive in the open field as Jackson was — at Louisville and during his first few years with the Baltimore Ravens," wrote Lee. "But the upright stride, light feet and explosive burst upfield are near carbon copies."

The Raiders — 27th in the NFL in points scored (17.2) — need a dynamic playmaker at the most important position. 

Las Vegas recently benched Jimmy Garoppolo, who threw nine interceptions in six games, replacing him with rookie Aidan O'Connell. The fourth-round pick out of Purdue is 2-1 as a starter, but he's posted a below-average 22.2 QBR and has been sacked 10 times.  

The New York Times simulator notes the Raiders (5-5) have only a four percent chance to make the playoffs. Assuming they miss the postseason and enter rebuilding mode, selecting a QB with exceptional athleticism, like Daniels, is the smart move.