Currently set to pick 13th overall, the Raiders will need to move up the board if the team decides to use its top pick on a quarterback. An addition of some kind under center is expected, and a move aimed at acquiring Jayden Daniels, in particular, would be a costly endeavor in terms of draft capital.
Las Vegas already has Aidan O’Connell — who finished his rookie season as the team’s starter and will at least have the chance to retain QB1 duties in 2024 — along with free agent signing Gardner Minshew in place at the quarterback spot. The Raiders also have a new general manager, Tom Telesco , and Antonio Pierce (who closed out the 2023 campaign on an interim basis) as a first-time NFL head coach. Electing to stay at No. 13 could thus retain draft assets while allowing a new regime to add at other roster spots.
However, ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez reports Raiders owner Mark Davis “has given his blessing” to Telesco and Pierce to make a trade in the first round. While that could of course include a move down the order, it would also mean an aggressive effort aimed at landing a passer like Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy or Daniels could be on the table if a partner were to be found. The latter has been named as the top choice for a hypothetical Raiders trade-up maneuver (along with, notably, that of the Vikings).
Daniels has a connection with Pierce given their time together at Arizona State. The reigning Heisman winner is a candidate to hear his name called second overall, putting him firmly on the Commanders’ radar. After Washington (a team expected to retain the No. 2 pick), the Patriots are in line to add a signal-caller if they elect not to trade down. Other teams — such as the Vikings and Broncos — are candidates to move into the top five to acquire a QB, while the Giants (No. 6) have also received the green light from ownership to spend a first-round pick at the position.
Provided the same holds for the Raiders, they will remain a team to watch closely as the draft draws nearer. Vegas has met with not only Daniels but also Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, passers generally regarded as second-tier prospects in the 2024 class. If a trade partner can be found near the top of the board, though, it will be interesting to see if Telesco, Pierce and the Raiders decide to pursue a high-profile quarterback addition later this month.
More must-reads: