Over the past few weeks, Antonio Pierce and the Las Vegas Raiders were in position to have a top-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, after winning two games late in the season under Aidan O’Connell, it seems that’s become impossible. For a team in the market for a new signal caller, that’s a big deal–especially when considering this year’s upcoming draft.
Of the quarterbacks who have declared for the draft up to this point, there are only two probable first-round talents; Shedeur Sanders from University of Colorado, and Cam Ward from University of Miami.
Quality quarterbacks come at a premium and teams will be drooling at the chance to select either of the two. Additionally, the Titans, Browns, Giants, and Jets could all be searching for a new man under center this offseason. Unfortunately for the Raiders, those teams all possess a higher draft pick at this moment in time.
All things considered, Las Vegas may be forced to roll with Aidan O’Connell heading into their ’25 campaign. O’Connell may be Antonio Pierce’s preferred quarterback regardless.
Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce does not view Aidan O’Connell as a backup
It seems that Pierce has had a change of heart since benching the Purdue alum in August. When asked of his thoughts on O’Connell’s sophomore campaign following Sin City’s Week 17 victory, the Raiders head coach responded with words of praise.
“I think Aidan O’Connell will be a starting NFL quarterback,” Pierce said.
Despite only starting six games this season, the 26-year-old has shown improvement with his game. On top of increasing his quarterback rating to 85.4, O’Connell’s 6:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio stands superior to the mark he posted in 2023.
One of the main philosophies for Pierce’s Raiders is protecting the football. This is why Las Vegas’ head coach prefers to have the second-year quarterback running the offense.
Why the Silver and Black still need a quarterback
This season showed that the Raiders are trailing in the AFC West largely due to quarterback play. While O’Connell’s improvements are undeniable, they still aren’t enough to make his team a threat in the National Football League.
Each of the additional three AFC West teams have two aspects in common: all three have first-round quarterbacks, and all three are likely headed to the playoffs. Given these points, it’s fair to assume the only way the Silver and Black will catch up to their division rivals is by investing in a first-round talent under center.
Especially if Las Vegas wants their quarterback to overcome an incomplete offense.
Currently, the Raiders lack a consistent run game. Since the threat of running the ball doesn’t exist, defenses have no reason to respect what Sin City can do on the ground. That does a team’s passing offense zero favors. Beyond that, the pass-catchers also need improvement as well. Although Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers have proved to be valuable weapons, not many others have shown much of anything.
A mediocre quarterback needs a perfect situation in order to thrive at the professional level. The Purdue alum cannot carry the load of such an incomplete offense.
It is still possible that O’Connell progresses and makes great improvements this offseason. In the meantime, however, the team’s best option is still adding a quarterback through the draft. If nothing else, competition from a new signal caller brought in to take the keys will help bring the best out of O’Connell.
The best case scenario next season for the Raiders is the team adds a signal caller who uplifts this roster and changes the offense. The 2025 NFL Draft presents the best opportunity for Las Vegas to do just that.
*Top Photo: Las Vegas Sun
The Records Continue Piling Up For Las Vegas Raiders Rookie TE Brock Bowers