In all likelihood, we can expect new Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady to play a big part in next year’s NFL draft for the Silver and Black. If so, do you trust him to potentially make the call in the first round?
When Brady’s impending ownership stake became a reality, Raider Nation split into two camps. One group believed it was sacrilege that the quarterback behind the infamous “Tuck Rule” would be joining ownership. “Al Davis would never” became a rallying cry. Others saw it as a positive development. How could anyone be upset that one of the winningest players in NFL history would be joining an organization that hasn’t seen much of that for the past generation?
As far as Mark Davis is concerned, he did little to hide his ambition in trying to bring Brady into the fold. Indeed, unless an unforeseen technicality arose, the official announcement was imminent. Now that No. 12 is onboard, this offseason will be busy. For those who might’ve missed it, Davis has made it clear that Brady will indeed have a big role within the organization.
It’s unclear how any of that will affect general manager Tom Telesco’s future and the likely head coaching search. Brady possesses extensive expertise in playing quarterback at an elite level. Given the current state of the quarterback position within the Raiders, it’s easy to connect the dots. Even more intriguing is Brady’s connection to a prospect that many feel will be the pick for the Raiders come April—we’re talking about Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
Who will choose the quarterback of the future for the Raiders?
Looking ahead to the draft, it’s going to be a monumental Day 1 for the organization with so much riding on the line. This raises the question of who will decide on the team’s top pick: Brady, Telesco, or another individual? Well, according to Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, Brady will certainly have some say. In talking with a source, Robinson notes that Davis values Brady’s knowledge, specifically in the quarterback department.
“It’s not like Mark will blow Tom off when it comes to the quarterbacks and where it goes—not happening. It’s the opposite. Mark will ask him, ‘What do you think?’ and then that’s what Mark thinks. What Tom will say about quarterbacks, I’d bet you that’s what goes. That’s what I think will happen. Maybe I’m wrong. We’ll see. But I think who Tom likes, Mark likes. We’ll see. It’s gonna be a ride.”
Despite Brady’s lack of experience as an NFL scout or general manager, he possesses a deep understanding of winning. He knows better than anyone that to do that you need a quarterback—something that the Raiders haven’t had since Rich Gannon’s MVP season. Still, if you’re a Raiders fan, do you put your trust in Brady’s decision-making? Regardless of the source Robinson cited, they are correct in one aspect: this offseason will undoubtedly be a ride.
*Top Photo: Getty Images