The nightmare that was the 2022 NFL regular season for the Las Vegas Raiders is now fading into the rearview mirror. To say that it was an underwhelming year under head coach Josh McDaniels would be an understatement. Among many of the expected changes this offseason, none loom larger than the one at quarterback. Derek Carr will either be traded away or cut, making way for a new starting signal-caller in 2023. As far as the 2023 NFL draft goes, there’ll be some interesting options available to the Raiders’ brass. Let’s list what Dave Ziegler might have to work with come April.
QB options for the Las Vegas Raiders this year…
2023 NFL Draft: Bryce Young, Alabama
Bryce Young is an excellent player and seems to be the unanimous selection for the first quarterback off the board. Young has a strong arm, makes good decisions, and never seems rushed or stressed in the pocket. He has the ability to escape and makes things happen on the fly. The only real negative drawback Young carries is his size. Bryce is a bit smaller than any of the other quarterbacks on the list. Yet, with his talent, he still should be the first off the board.
The Raiders own the seventh overall pick. If they really want Young, they’ve got some work to do to get him. The Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts all pick before Las Vegas, and all three of those teams could very well take a quarterback this year. Las Vegas will have to trade up to get Young, but if they do, it will be well worth it.
Bryce Young never flinches in the pocket. His subtle movements create space for a throwing lane. pic.twitter.com/vpopvp95iU
— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) January 23, 2023
2023 NFL Draft: Will Levis, Kentucky
Levis is a pretty polarizing figure this year, but his stock has been trending upward recently. That’s for a good reason. Levis has now played with two different former NFL offensive coordinators at Kentucky and has succeeded with flying colors with both. He thrives under pressure, which is something he’ll see a lot of if he does land in Sin City. Levis’ range is a bit more expansive than Young’s. Levis could go as high as No. 2 to Houston, yet plenty of mock drafts also have him falling from No. 5 to No. 10, which is conveniently right where the Raiders pick. Young is a better prospect, but if Levis falls to the Raiders, they could get their quarterback of the future without having to mortgage future picks.
2023 NFL Draft: C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Stroud is a very exciting prospect. Stroud gets rid of the ball very quickly and can put the ball on a dime all around the field. He was wonderful in the College Football Playoff against Georgia. Stroud likely would have led the Buckeyes to the national championship had his kicker not shanked a game-winning field goal.
From this draft class, Stroud’s skill set is arguably the best fit for Josh McDaniels’ offense. His stock definitely improved with his impressive outing against Georgia, but he still could fall anywhere throughout the top-10 picks. If he’s there at No. 7, the Raiders have to pick him up. If Las Vegas thinks he won’t be, they should consider trading up. Stroud is too good a fit to pass up.
CJ Stroud deserves to be a top-10 NFL Draft pick. pic.twitter.com/7npVQfKr4W
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) January 20, 2023
2023 NFL Draft: Anthony Richardson, Florida
Finally, we have Anthony Richardson, who is the biggest question mark on this list by far. Richardson has the raw skills to be the very first pick in the entire draft. His skillset is arguably better than any other guy on this list. What Richardson lacks is the poise and polish of Young, Levis, and Stroud.
Where polish and poise are lacking, potential soars. Richardson will not be as good as the former three in his first year, but his potential is through the roof. If the Raiders do sign Brady or trade for Rodgers, it would make a lot of sense to take Richardson and allow him to develop under one of the best minds in football history. It’s practically a guarantee that Richardson is available at No. 7, and he may be one of the most available Raiders’ QB options. Richardson may even be on the board in the second and third rounds. If he is, he can’t be passed up.
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