Analyst still believes Raiders are in on talented quarterback prospect

The trade for quarterback Geno Smith completely altered the draft plans of the Las Vegas Raiders.

At the end of last season, most analysts thought the Raiders targeting a quarterback with the sixth overall pick was a certainty. However, the Smith trade reduced the immediate need at the position, giving the team an opportunity to expand their horizons. The fact they have visited virtually every possible quarterback option in the draft is proof of that.

However, one analyst believes all of this is a smokescreen to mask the Raiders’ true intentions, which is to stay on the original course.

An NFL pundit is still convinced the Raiders target a quarterback long linked to the team.

According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, he has the Raiders ultimately deciding to stay on the pursuit of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

“This is a gut feeling from years of exposure to this team. I just don’t think the Raiders will be able to pass him up in the No. 6 spot, regardless of Geno Smith,” wrote Gagnon.

While much of the focus on the sixth overall pick has shifted to Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty or a blue-chip defensive prospect, the chatter surrounding Sanders remains the same. Most analysts cite his continued connection with the Raiders, as well as his long-standing friendship with minority owner Tom Brady. Smith represents a good short-term veteran fix for the quarterback position, but drafting Sanders would be a sign that the Raiders do not see him as a solution beyond 2025.

The argument holds at least some merit, but it is hard to imagine the Raiders ignoring so many needs on their roster for a luxury option under center.

Sanders’s stock is currently in flux due to reports suggesting he is falling down the board, but it is hard to see him fall out of the first round entirely. The New Orleans Saints could use their ninth overall pick on Sanders after news of Derek Carr’s shoulder injury, or the Pittsburgh Steelers could conduct a blockbuster trade to finally answer their quarterback question. Even if Sanders does fall, a team like the Cleveland Browns or New York Giants could decide to take the plunge and trade back into the first round.

Sanders to the Raiders is not entirely out of the realm of possibility, but fans still clamoring for it are likely to end up disappointed.