Day 2 of the NFL Draft could be an intriguing event for the Las Vegas Raiders; maybe Spencer Rattler is the answer at quarterback, in theory, at least. That’s assuming neither Michael Penix Jr. nor Bo Nix are of interest to Tom Telesco. This could get interesting.
Between now and the start of the draft, we’re going to hear a lot of conjecture—it’s that time of the year, like it or not. However, we shouldn’t dispel every single thing we hear. For example, take into account what Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz recently put out. The NFL insider mentioned that Rattler has been gaining steam as a possibility for multiple teams on Day 2 (rounds two or three, FYI).
That’s right, the Raiders are among those teams, per Schultz.
Should Raiders GM Tom Telesco consider QB Spencer Rattler on Day 2?
In many ways, none of this is shocking—Telesco is as thorough as they come; he’s doing his due diligence with all of the QB prospects.
It’s also possible he sees something in Aidan O’Connell; maybe he’s the future after all. Even so, the Raiders have not confirmed any of this. The Raiders are embracing competition for every skill position, including quarterback.
If you take Rattler in the third round, for example, you can address other pending needs, such as offensive tackle (or cornerback), in the first two rounds, where you might walk away with two instant starters. Telesco’s draft record in the early rounds was downright impressive for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Winning games late in the season following Josh McDaniels’ firing meant that the team would be out of the running for a “premier” prospect; think Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, or Drake Maye.
You have to adapt to the current circumstances. A quarterback depth chart with O’Connell, Rattler, and Gardner Minshew is an upgrade over what McDaniels trotted out last season and sold the fanbase as “competitive.”
*Top Photo: Getty Images