It is believed that head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco of the Las Vegas Raiders have been given the go-ahead to trade up in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 25.
Raiders owner Mark Davis has “given his okay for Telesco and Pierce to make a move, any deal… as long as it makes sense,” according to ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez. It is likely that he is looking for a franchise quarterback.
In ten starts last season, Las Vegas quarterback Aidan O’Connell finished with a 5-5 record and a below-average 40.5 QBR. Gardner Minshew II, a free agent acquisition, is a good player but not the solution. In five seasons, he has divided time between the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts, posting an above-average 51.2 QBR.
The 13th overall pick in the draft is owned by the Raiders. Trading up might be wise because four of the first six selections, according to Tankathon forecasts, could be quarterbacks.
With the fourth overall pick, the Arizona Cardinals could be a possible trade partner. Kyler Murray, a former Pro Bowl quarterback, is already their franchise quarterback. Additionally, some in league circles told Dianna Russini of the Athletic that “[The Cardinals] are open to trade back” during the scouting combine.
If the Raiders have the fourth pick, they might want to take a look at Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Additionally, according to Tankathon, the Washington Commanders will select LSU’s Jayden Daniels in the second round, however Gutierrez mentions that Las Vegas has been linked to the player.
“I don’t know how he’s not in the top three, to be honest,” Pierce said, praising McCarthy during the annual league meetings earlier this summer.
National champion McCarthy threw 72.1% of his throws for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and a strong 88.2 QBR in 15 games with the Wolverines in 2023. He is ranked as the fourth-best passer in this draft class by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.
It’s risky to give up draft resources to acquire a QB. Nevertheless, the Raiders ought to think about taking a chance. Pierce will be able to establish a winning foundation in his first season as head coach on a full-time basis if they select the correct passer in the draft.
