The trending story surrounding Las Vegas Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler is whether he’s contemplating a draft-day trade. News flash: no one really knows.
The only reason that the Raiders would be contemplating moving up in this year’s draft is for a quarterback. Sitting at No. 7, they’re going to be in prime position to pick one of the premier defensive prospects. Or, if they really want to mess with everyone’s mock drafts and big boards, they could draft an offensive lineman. Regardless, you only make a “splashy” move such as that one if you’re confident that the guy you’re getting is turning around the franchise.
Well, Ziegler and the Raiders technically have “their guy” in Jimmy Garoppolo, right? Why then turn around and use such a pivotal draft selection on a player that likely won’t see the field any time soon? The Raiders’ defense has been one of the worst in the NFL for what seems like an eternity. This upcoming draft haul needs to sprout several potential starters; that’s why you signed Garoppolo, to keep you competitive while rebuilding what’s been an abyss for the Silver and Black.
Would Dave Ziegler and the Raiders really move up?
According to at least one “insider,” the Raiders could indeed move up and nab a signal-caller. We’re referring to Daniel Jeremiah of The NFL Network, who recently mentioned that “teams are watching what the Raiders do.” Going a step further, “They believe that with Jimmy Garoppolo as sort of a bridge quarterback for at least a year, they’re in the perfect spot to get their future quarterback, a guy like Richardson, who is probably the most talented quarterback in this draft.”
It’s smokescreen season, folks.
The fact is, when you get down to it, no one knows what this organization has up its sleeve. It’s fun to ponder and lay out different scenarios; sooner or later, one will come to pass. One beat writer will tell you that Garoppolo is the answer, or at least enough of an answer that trading up wouldn’t make sense. On the other hand, whenever a prospect comes to visit, or vice versa, when the Raiders pay a visit, rumors begin to run wild over a custom that takes place every offseason. In the end, you be the judge.
More must-reads: