Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has a strong opinion on who he calls the top quarterback prospect of this year’s draft.
Antonio Pierce, head coach of the Vegas Raiders, stated at the NFL Owners meeting who his top quarterback is going into the 2024 NFL Draft.
“J.J. McCarthy you’re talking about a National Champ, a winner. So I don’t know how he’s not in the top three if you want to be honest.”
The Raiders have eight picks in the 2024 draft. Their first pick is set for 13th overall. Will the Raiders be able to do enough to move up and take McCarthy if they choose?
#Raiders HC Antonio Pierce talking about Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy:
"J.J. McCarthy you're talking about a National Champ, a winner. So I don't know how he's not in the top three, if you want to be honest."pic.twitter.com/ixZo0eogvm https://t.co/BR7sr9Ixke
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 25, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders Draft Plan
The Raiders quarterback situation is fluid at the moment. Antonio Pierce has stated that Aidan O’Connell has “earned the right” to compete for a starting job.
The Raiders also added NFL journeyman and proven “backup” Garner Minshew. Garner is a fan favorite for any team he suits up for. Both quarterbacks will compete for a starting role, but the Raiders want to add a younger option.
On the Pivot Podcast, Pierce was his usual blunt self and spoke openly about the Raider’s quest to find the answer at quarterback.
“The wildcard is the quarterback,” Pierce said. “What are we going to do? Well, we’ve got to put a plan together. There are always quarterbacks there are ways to get. Everybody has a price; there’s always a price. There’s always something that people are willing to do, like woo. ‘You’re giving me that for this?’ You can create a little doubt there, a little like, hmm, interest, as far as if they want to make that move.”
Antonio Pierce Targets J.J. McCarthy
Pierce does not hide his love for McCarthy, but as we move closer to the draft, J.J. climbs the draft projections quickly. After an impressive Pro Day, his name has entered “top five pick” conversations.
It is pretty unanimous that J.J. will not be available at the 13th pick for the Raiders. Can the Raiders move to steal him away from other NFL teams?
The Raiders would have to move in front of the Broncos (12th pick) and Vikings (11th pick) to ensure a chance at J.J. The Denver Broncos, a Raider rival in the AFC West, have openly stated that they are interested in moving up and theories surrounding their love for J.J. as well.
We will see if Pierce is bold enough to move into a position to steal McCarthy away from a divisional foe.
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