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Raiders Predicted to Replace Geno Smith with SEC Quarterback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 1:36 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders are six games into the Geno Smith era and are 2-4. Their only wins come against the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans.

Smith has completed 123-of-186 passes for 1,350 yards, seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions (most in the NFL) and a 77.6 passer rating. He has also rushed for 71 yards and one touchdown.

Despite Smith being under contract through the 2027 season, the Raiders are one team that could select a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

In a mock draft done by ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid, he predicts the Raiders will select South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers with the No. 9 pick.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno SmithStephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

"Geno Smith hasn't worked out so far in Las Vegas, as the new Raiders QB has thrown a league-high 10 interceptions and ranks 28th in QBR (38.2)," Reid wrote. "Vegas could be on the hunt for another signal-caller, and the 6-3, 240-pound Sellers is intriguing. The skill set is awesome."

In 21 games with South Carolina, Sellers has thrown for 3,630 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He's also rushed for 842 yards and nine touchdowns.

In six games this season, Sellers has completed 64% of his passes for 1,010 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. He's also racked up 117 rushing yards and one touchdown while the Gamecocks are 3-3.

If the Raiders took him, he may not be able to start right away, with ESPN's Mel Kiper writing, "Sellers is still developing as a prospect, but you can't teach his skill set. There will be teams that get excited about his potential."

With Smith under contract through the 2027 season, Sellers could have up to two seasons to sit on the bench and learn head coach Pete Carroll's offense.

The 2026 NFL Draft is not until April 23, though, and the Raiders still have 11 games left in the season to focus on. That includes a Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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