The Las Vegas Raiders will add a quarterback via free agency or the NFL Draft this offseason. But because of the Derek Carr situation, the team’s salary cap situation is uncertain, so the April draft is a better choice.
Presuming that the Raiders maintain their current top ten overall pick status, it puts the general manager Dave Ziegler and company in striking distance for any of the top quarterback prospects. That said, one player may be more attainable than others.
Raiders Scouting: Ohio State’s Quarterback Keeps Increasing His Draft Stock
Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud presents himself as a viable option for the Silver and Black. However, after his performance in the College Football Playoff this past weekend against the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs – he answered questions surrounding the few weaknesses on his scouting report.
CJ Stroud vs Georgia:
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) January 1, 2023
• 23/34
• 348 yards
• 4 TD
• 34 rushing yards
The Buckeyes QB put the world on notice tonight.
Next stop, the NFL Draft 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WXAcrDZiYl
The Raiders Will More than Likely Have to Trade Up for Stroud
Sitting outside the top five in April’s draft means that the Raiders must get creative to land Stroud. Fortunately, the Chicago Bears own the No. 2 overall pick. With another outstanding Ohio State counterpart under center, it presents a familiar trading partner for the Silver and Black. Here is what a potential offer could look like:
- Raiders send:
- Darren Waller
- 2023 First-Round Pick (#8)
- 2024 First-Round Pick
- 2025 Second-Round Pick
- Bears send:
- 2023 First-Round Pick (#2)
- 2024 Third-Round Pick
There is a price to pay for quality quarterback play in today’s NFL. Should the team land Stroud, it provides them with the option to start Jarrett Stidham while their future signal-caller learns the system. The Rancho Cucamonga, California native possesses the complete arsenal to be a perennial Pro Bowler in the NFL with Josh McDaniels’ vast playbook – ask New England Patriots starter Mac Jones.
Above all, the Las Vegas Raiders need a long-term option under center. One way or another, they will have to pay for this luxury.
For more Raiders scouting reports and information, keep it here, folks.
*Top Photo by Getty Images