The Blueprint for Raiders’ Hopeful Turnaround Is Clear

Max Chadwick writes for Pro Football Focus, and he released a mock draft of his own after the results of Week 15. The Raiders haven't secured the 1st overall pick, but that's the reality they face if they lose every game from here on out.

Currently, the Raiders are projected to land the second overall pick. Obtaining the best pick is what the Raiders are striving for, but there's plenty they can do at number two. One of those things is make a bold selection for a playmaker, and that's exactly what Chadwick predicts them to do, as the player they take to restart their franchise is Dante Moore.

"The Raiders won’t need to trade up to the top spot to land a quarterback, as another elite option is available here. Moore owns the best PFF passing grade (91.2) among draft-eligible quarterbacks this season, trailing only Ohio State’s Julian Sayin overall. The redshirt sophomore has been on a heater down the stretch, earning an 85.0-plus PFF passing grade in three consecutive games", said Chadwick.

Chadwick's stance on the Raiders drafting their next franchise quarterback isn't a hot take. Multiple 2026 NFL mock drafts predict the same thing, and I only expect that trend to continue as we inch closer and closer to the draft.

It's not a guarantee that he declares for the draft, as he still has two years of eligibility left and would be leaving a lot of NIL money on the table to pursue his NFL dreams. If he does declare and decide to enter the draft, it's a no-brainer that the Raiders should take him second overall.

He's not going to fix all of their problems, but he adds another piece to their offense and will make it young and exciting. The Raiders could have a big three of Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Moore to take with them in the future. That's a trio I'd like to have on my team, and one the Raiders can make a reality with a bold decision in the draft.