The Las Vegas Raiders are rapidly approaching the top pick in next year’s NFL draft, which they could potentially utilize for Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Is it time to embrace it?
With 12 losses this year, it’s safe to say that the Silver and Black aren’t exactly doing themselves any favors. Sure, head coach Antonio Pierce and Co. want to win, but let’s be honest—they’re in over their heads. Many within Raider Nation are already embracing the notion of “tanking” the rest of the way. In other words, the team must lose out the rest of the way to secure the No. 1 overall pick next year.
That’s where we are at, folks.
Yes, securing a top-five pick does not ensure success at the quarterback position, but for how long will the Raiders continue to rely on temporary solutions? Sooner or later, the organization needs to get over its PTSD related to JaMarcus Russell and gamble on a signal-caller. For some, they’re ready for it. In fact, one fan went viral on Monday night with a sign stating, “Tank for Shedeur.”
All in due time, @ShedeurSanders pic.twitter.com/Jr1Ia7yuCh
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) December 17, 2024
Interestingly, one could argue that the Raiders don’t necessarily need to “tank.” Given the way this coaching staff is handling each game, it’s likely that their incompetence will cause them to lose the remaining games. As painful as it may be to admit, the Raiders may have had a chance to win the game against the Atlanta Falcons. The team was driving at the end of the contest but had already previously blown their timeouts. Once again, inept in-game management reared its head.
Regardless, Raiders fans are over the losing.
Whether they support Pierce or not is a different conversation, but what many seem to be in agreement about is the need for a franchise quarterback. Can Sanders be the one to turn the fortunes of the Silver and Black? It’s not an easy answer. Looking at Shedeur Sanders objectively, the Colorado product hasn’t played against elite college defenses, so there’s concern whether he’d be ready for NFL-level defenders.
Maybe things have gotten so bad that “any” quarterback is a perceived savior. Some Raiders fans want Sam Darnold next year as well. Either way, Las Vegas will need to completely bottom out in order to hit the reset button. In that regard, embracing the tank might be the way.
*Top Photo: The Raider Ramble
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