Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco desperately needs to find the team’s next quarterback—it’s time to fire up mock draft season again.
Sitting at 2-5, maybe it’s time to call it a season for the Silver and Black. They’re not catching up to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, and at this point, even the Denver Broncos are in better shape than the Raiders. According to Tankathon, Telesco’s 2025 first round pick sits neatly at No. 8. As we rev up draft and scouting season, let’s get things going with this year’s first edition of “Monday Morning Mock Draft.”
1st Round: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Realistically speaking, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders will climb up draft boards once the collegiate season ends and scouting events take hold. As of this publication, most draft simulators have Sanders available in the top ten. However, it is highly likely that both Sanders and Cam Ward will end up being the first two overall picks next year. Still, Sanders should be the choice if we’re being honest.
The consensus is already in place; it’s either Sanders or Ward, and most people will agree there’s a drop-off in talent after those two. The question then shifts to whether the Raiders can lose enough games to put themselves in position to pick up either one of them (that’s where we are at, Raider Nation).
Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward and everyone else as far as I’m concerned
— Max Chadwick (@CFBMaxChadwick) October 19, 2024
Sanders possesses physical gifts that make him extremely “pro-ready”. If anything, Sanders knows what it’s like to play behind a terrible offensive line, and that’s helped showcase his ability to adapt. That’s a highly coveted trait if you’re the Raiders, as Telesco will surely rebuild the O-line next year.
This throw from Shedeur Sanders is wild, and the ball tracking from Will Sheppard is incredible.
Sanders makes at least one jaw-dropping deep ball placement throw a game pic.twitter.com/2yo665vFhS
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 28, 2024
Should the Raiders draft Shedeur Sanders?
With just six interceptions to his 19 touchdown passes, Sanders currently holds the best completion percentage in the Pac-12 at 72.2. Whether we’re talking about short or intermediate routes, Sanders can accurately hit them while in stride. What’s even more impressive is his consistent ability to remain poised in the pocket—that’s something NFL scouts salivate over; that’ll be key in the AFC West with so many vaunted pass rushers.
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has seen more than his fair share of costly turnovers this season from his quarterbacks. Sanders will slowly rectify that next season; his decision-making is relatively crisp—he won’t “cost you games.” Let’s face it, the Raiders could use more of that right now.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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