HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 01: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) rolls to his right as he looks to pass downfield during first half action during the football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 1, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Conflicting Rumors on Raiders QB Draft Plans Emerge
The Las Vegas Raiders aren’t shy about the fact that they’d like to add a young quarterback but haven’t exposed what exactly their plan to get one is. The team doesn’t pick until No. 13 so getting one of the top prospects will likely require a trade-up.
According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, that’s exactly what the team wants to do.
“The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback was a fourth-round draft pick a year ago and wound up starting 10 games,” Tafur wrote in an April 11 column. “The team finished the season winning three of its last four games under interim coach Antonio Pierce, with O’Connell throwing eight touchdowns and no interceptions.
“But the first thing anybody mentions when it comes to the Raiders and the upcoming NFL Draft is their need for a quarterback. … The Raiders have the 13th pick and would like to trade up.”
LSU’s Jayden Daniels is likely the team’s desired target considering his previous relationship with head coach Antonio Pierce. Pierce was his recruiting coordinator at Arizona State. The draft is getting closer and there isn’t much time for the Raiders to pull off a trade but the situation is worth watching.
ESPN Says Las Vegas Raiders Prefer OL or CB
While Vic Tafur is reporting that the Raiders want to trade up for a quarterback, ESPN’s Jordan Reid believes the team is targeting other positions.
“Yeah, expect offensive line or cornerback at No. 13 overall,” Reid wrote in an April 11 column. “At Alabama’s pro day last month, Pierce seemed to be keeping a close eye on Terrion Arnold, who would give Vegas a shutdown corner on the outside. But sources with the team have also suggested to me that the Raiders could add another tackle to pair with Kolton Miller. Taliese Fuaga is a natural match based on the hole at right tackle and play style, but don’t dismiss JC Latham at this spot, either.”
