The Jayden Daniels speculation surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders continues to grow as the 2023 NFL season nears its end. However, Aidan O’Connell has the opportunity in these last handful of games to convince the organization that he’s the quarterback of the future.
However, should the 25-year-old falter, finding that franchise quarterback has to be atop the Silver and Black’s to-do list this offseason. Furthermore, in the AFC West with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Russell Wilson, the Raiders cannot fall behind with their quarterback play.
Is it time for the Raiders to draft a franchise QB?
Should O’Connell fail to convince in these last few games, Las Vegas will be at a crossroads. No team in the NFL can compete without a dependable signal-caller, and it’s time for the Silver and Black to find the long-term solution under center.
Now, where do the Raiders go to fill their need? While free agency and trade are options, Bleacher Report believes the NFL Draft is the best route for the Raiders. Furthermore, they have Las Vegas selecting Jayden Daniels out of LSU.
“Not only is he making a pretty convincing argument to win the Heisman, but he’s also showing bonafide NFL skills while doing it,” B/R’s NFL staff wrote. “Daniels is a good athlete with a penchant for big throws. He’s the kind of exciting prospect they haven’t had in a while who could be the hope of a new era in Vegas.”
Before deciding on a quarterback, Raiders owner Mark Davis must pick his general manager and coach before deciding on a quarterback. Afterward, the entire franchise has to decide whether Daniels will be the guy they build around for the next few years.
What would Jayden Daniels bring to the Raiders?
Daniels’ production at LSU has skyrocketed as a senior. The 22-year-old has thrown 40 touchdowns, four interceptions, and 3,812 passing yards. Furthermore, he’s a dual threat, rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns this past season.
As a result, Daniels was named on Monday as a finalist for the 2023 Heisman Trophy. Although the LSU signal-caller isn’t Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, he will be in that second tier of quarterbacks. The Raiders could select anywhere between No. 10 and possibly No. 20, depending on how they finish the season.
It will be interesting to see what Daniels decides to do in his final game with LSU, as they’re playing Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 1 at Raymond James Stadium. Should Daniels skip the game, then the Raiders will need to rely on his game tape from 2023.
*Top Photo: CBS Sports
