ESPN Projects Las Vegas Raiders Will Trade Up For QB

Is Michael Penix Jr. from Washington poised to be a first-round quarterback in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, or will he find himself selected on Day 2? There are quite a few teams who have been rumored as landing spots for Penix, with one of them being the Las Vegas Raiders.

Various mock drafts have presented differing opinions on Penix’s draft projection. Some foresee him as a first-round pick, especially with quarterback-needy teams potentially trading up to secure his talents.

However, in a recent two-round mock draft by Christian D’Andrea, Penix is slated to be taken by the New York Giants in the second round.

Similarly, ESPN’s Field Yates suggests a scenario where the Las Vegas Raiders trade up early in the second round to acquire Penix, a move that aligns well with the team’s needs.

Let’s delve into the dynamics of this potential scenario:

“One more trade projection here, and it’s for the last remaining quarterback I have ranked in my top 50. After missing out on the top five passers on Day 1 and knowing teams will be eyeing the QBs available here, I have the Raiders sending No. 44 and a 2025 third-rounder to the Commanders for No. 36. …

Penix has a huge arm and threw for 4,903 yards last season. Even after signing Gardner Minshew to compete with Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders have to add a quarterback. Penix has an injury history (knee and shoulder), and teams will have varying levels of comfort there, but his upside is immense.”

During the 2023 season with the Huskies, Penix ended up completing 65.3 percent of his pass attempts for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also scored three touchdowns on the ground.

If the Las Vegas Raiders do end up landing Michael Penix Jr., they will feel very good about their quarterback situation. Antonio Pierce and company have no issues starting Aidan O’Connell next season, but they would have a long-term option in Penix. That is what the Raiders should be targeting this offseason.