The Las Vegas Raiders have turned the keys over to rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell. After a disastrous start to the season by veteran Jimmy Garoppolo and an uninspiring spot-start for journeyman Brian Hoyer, Raider Nation finally has some optimism behind center. But O’Connell must earn the gig for 2024. If not, the NFL Draft is jam-packed with talent at the position.
2024 NFL Draft: Highlighting Options For Raiders If Aidan O’Connell Can’t Handle QB1 Duties
Caleb Williams and Drake Maye receive most of the attention — and rightfully so. Williams and Maye are the heavy favorites to come off the board at No. 1 and No. 2 overall, likely leaving the Raiders out of reach. A trade-up is always in play at the NFL Draft; it cannot be ruled out. But the price for the top two picks next Spring will be astronomical.
It might be hard to justify trading that much to move up, especially with a first-time general manager. Whether interim GM Champ Kelly wins the job long-term or if owner Mark Davis looks elsewhere, that person will surely want as many pieces as possible to add talent across the depth chart. Barring the Raiders losing every remaining game on the schedule, Williams and Maye are pipe dreams.
So, who are the other quarterbacks on the first-round radar that Vegas could target in the 2024 NFL Draft? Depending on who you ask, upwards of 10 guys are jockeying for position in the loaded class. It’s so crowded that a few top options could realistically return to college and set themselves up for the QB1 chase in 2025.
Shedeur Sanders is leaning toward returning to Colorado for another year of seasoning — that is, if his father, Deion Sanders, has any say in the decision. Quinn Ewers, Riley Leonard, and Michael Pratt have been rumored to return to school, as well. So, we’ll shift focus to four players almost assuredly declaring at season’s end.
Without further ado, let’s kick things off with the Heisman Trophy front runner…
If Vegas Can’t Get It Right At QB, Maybe They Should Go Left
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
It’s not often a left-handed quarterback profiles as a legitimate starter at the next level. As a lefty myself, the stigma around “backward” passers is real. It doesn’t help that Tim Tebow and Matt Leinart have flamed out in the NFL after stellar collegiate careers. But Dolphins’ star Tua Tagovailoa is finally putting this silly narrative to bed.
Michael Penix Jr. possesses as much firepower in his arm as any in the country. He zips passes into tight windows and flexes plenty of strength to fling the ball downfield effortlessly. What’s most impressive about Penix is his impeccable ball placement. More often than not, his receivers simply have to raise their hands, and the football arrives in a spot only they can get it.
Where Penix must improve is his overall mechanics. His throwing motion is a bit wonky, while his lower body is essentially never used when throwing. It typically looks like the ace signal-caller is buried to his waist in the sand — not particularly mobile, and his lower half is very stiff.
Penix’s advanced age and extensive injury history will push him down the board further than some analysts expect. He will be a 24-year-old rookie, an age current Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud won’t reach until Year 3. The Washington alum will likely be available in the middle portion of Day 1, giving the Raiders a potential plug-and-play starter, even if his upside isn’t quite as high as you’d like.
Could A Jim Harbaugh-J.J. McCarthy Pairing Be In Play For The Raiders?
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The Michigan signal-caller has college eligibility remaining, but with his draft stock trending upward, it would be a surprise if J.J. McCarthy returns to the Wolverines. Plus, the uncertainty up top with head coach Jim Harbaugh and the potential sanctions that could be bestowed upon the program carry weight in the decision.
As for McCarthy, he is a polarizing prospect in NFL Draft circles. The former high-end recruit made good on his lofty hype last season, helping lead his squad to the College Football Playoffs in Year 1 as the full-time starter. TCU claimed the victory, but McCarthy showed enough flashes to garner legitimate draft interest.
In 2023, he’s blossomed into an even better prospect with far more responsibility on his plate. Michigan still lives and dies by the ground game, but McCarthy’s development as a passer, including added comfort when improvising, has transformed the Wolverines into a juggernaut.
McCarthy has always had immense physical traits. His arm is powerful enough to reach every level of the defense, showing a better understanding of layering his throws and keeping defenders on their toes. As a scrambler, the Michigan star does what’s necessary to gain yardage when plays break down.
At 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds, the La Grange Park native checks the boxes physically. He will not turn 21 years old until January, which will give him a leg-up for many NFL teams throughout the pre-draft process. Ultimately, play on the field matters more than numbers on paper. Penn State and Ohio State await on the schedule; McCarthy has a chance to solidify his Day 1 status.
Don’t Laugh, Bo Nix Is Better Than You Remember At Auburn
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
How someone speaks about Bo Nix tells you whether or not they’ve watched him at Oregon. Sure, the Auburn version of Nix was a far cry from an NFL prospect — let alone a player receiving Round 1 hype in some NFL Draft circles. However, thanks to some masterful coaching by Dan Lanning, the narrative has shifted entirely.
Nix has grown in leaps and bounds since arriving in Eugene. His form is cleaner, eliminating unnecessary scrambles and trusting his footwork and compact throwing motion from within the pocket. Athleticism has never been a question mark for the gifted signal-caller. At 6-foot-2 and weighing a stocky 216 pounds, Nix is a bruiser as a runner.
For the Raiders, the Oregon quarterback presents another older option. Like Penix, Nix will be a 24-year-old rookie, limiting his upside on the surface. But with that advanced age comes loads of experience as a starter. His 56 starts in college rank as the most in the history of the sport.
While Nix has improved mightily, he does have some areas that give me pause when the first-round talk fires up. He’s still a slow processor, not always getting through his reads fast enough. Arm strength is a spot that draws concern, too, as Nix can fit windows, but the velocity is a tick behind his peers, and there are instances of too much air under his deep balls.
No NFL Draft prospect is perfect, so let’s not be too harsh on Nix at this point. He will have a full offseason to impress scouts, including a highly-publicized Pro Day and an appearance at the NFL Draft Scouting Combine. Ideally, Nix will accept an invite to the Senior Bowl, giving coaches an up close and personal look at the star signal-caller.
Cam Ward Is A “My Guy” In The 2024 NFL Draft
Cam Ward, QB, Washington State
Last but certainly not least is Washington State’s Cam Ward. If you’ve read my work — or follow me on X (formerly Twitter) — then my affinity for Ward should come as no surprise. He first popped up on my radar during his time at Incarnate Word, a lesser-known FCS program.
Ward received a zero-star rating out of high school, leaving him in no man’s land when pursuing a future in his football career. That is until head coach Eric Morris came knocking. The two formed a fearsome duo at the FCS level, as Ward made every other college in the country look silly for passing on him.
After two phenomenal years with the Cardinals, Morris and Ward departed campus with bigger aspirations in mind. The duo landed at Washington State together, parlaying their previous success into a D1 destination. Morris assumed the role of offensive coordinator and quickly began implementing his system in Pullman.
Last year, Ward burst onto the national scene, but his play in 2023 has put him squarely on the NFL Draft map. He’s displayed considerable improvement in his technique, including better footwork and a quicker, less indecisive mentality. Ward also is taking better care of the football and showcasing remarkable ball placement in his second year with the Cougars.
The Raiders should heavily consider taking Cam Ward if he’s available when they come to the podium. Some areas need work — cutting out occasional “hero ball” tendencies and taking what the defense gives him is chief among them. But the good far outweighs the bad, especially when his coachability is factored in.
If Nothing Else, Raider Nation Should Have Optimism Entering Draft Season
A true Day 1 prospect on my current Big Board, but there’s a chance he’s available in Round 2.
Other Names To Monitor:
•Carson Beck (Georgia)
•Jayden Daniels (LSU)
•Spencer Rattler (South Carolina)
•Jordan Travis (Florida State)
•K.J. Jefferson (Arkansas)
*Top Photo: Norm Hall/Getty Images
