Why it's too early to anoint Raiders rookie QB as future starter despite solid preseason debut

"All I can say is, wow. Where did this guy come from?" NFL Network analyst and former head coach Steve Mariucci said Sunday on "NFL Total Access." "This is my first impression of his first pro game, and I'm thinking this guy can start in this league eventually. Keep a clip of this tape because when he starts, I'm gonna say, 'I told you so.'"

In the 34-7 victory against San Francisco, the 135th overall pick out of Purdue exceeded expectations. He completed 15-of-18 passes for 141 yards, threw a TD and finished with a 117.8 passer rating.

Despite the solid showing, declaring that the 24-year-old can become a starter after one preseason game is foolhardy. Per the 49ers' website, most of their first-team defense didn't play, so he must face better competition before he climbs the depth chart.

Nonetheless, O'Connell is progressing quickly, which is great for the Raiders because they need a dependable backup. Starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo —who signed a three-year $72.75M deal with Las Vegas this offseason— is injury-prone, missing 30 games in six seasons with San Francisco. QB Brian Hoyer turns 38 years old on October 13 and has a losing record (16-24) as a starter.

In a postgame news conference, Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels sounded optimistic about the rookie's trajectory.

"I thought he generally handled himself well for the first playing opportunity," McDaniels said. "So, he's just a sponge; he soaks it all in, and he'll take every opportunity to improve."

While it's too early to anoint O'Connell as the next face of the franchise, he possesses some upside, giving the Raiders more security at the most important position after an underwhelming 6-11 season in 2022.