The Las Vegas Raiders, who finished the season on a high note ending with an 8-9 record have found their Head Coach of the future in Antonio Pierce and finished just behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the division. However, their roster heading into next season have asterisks on certain positions including quarterback.
Raiders Starting Quarterback Position is Up for Grabs For 2024-25 Season
Along with multiple positions on the offensive line, quarterback is a potential need heading into next season. Jimmy Garoppolo, who was signed last season to a three-year deal did not live up to the potential that followed him in San Francisco during 2023 and will most likely not be the starting quarterback for Las Vegas. Garoppolo also dealt with injuries throughout the season which limited his playing time.
Aiden O’Connell stepped in during Garoppolo’s absence and delivered some productive performances through 11 games under center, including a 4-touchdown performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The Raiders finished the season with a 5-5 record under O’Connell as the starter and showed flashes of success.
Head Coach Antonio Pierce Endorses Idea of Drafting LSU QB Jayden Daniels
Despite finishing in second amongst the AFC West with Garoppolo and O’Connell under center, Head Coach Antonio Pierce has shown on multiple occasions that turning to the draft to select LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is in their best interest.
Pierce coached Daniels at Arizona State before they both parted ways from the school. Since their departure, Pierce has earned himself a head coaching position in the NFL and Daniels won the Heisman trophy last season with LSU. The Raiders currently hold the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft, but Daniels is projected to be off the board within the first 10 picks. So, Las Vegas will have to trade up in order to have a chance.
Pierce has recently liked posts on social media that indicate this development and a reunion could benefit Las Vegas long term, but they currently have more holes to fill than just quarterback. So, they will have a decision to make heading into this year’s draft.
Should the Raiders Trade Up to Select Daniels?
While the Raiders do have multiple positions of need, trading up to draft Daniels could be the move that pushes them to the next level. Not only is Daniels a member of the Heisman club, his combination of arm talent and running ability is something that can transition to the NFL.
Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Kyler Murray, and several more quarterbacks in today’s league use speed to their advantage and succeed. Daniels is another quarterback who can make something out of nothing by using his legs to extend the play and could be the difference maker for Las Vegas even though they will have to trade assets to acquire him.
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