The Las Vegas Raiders have many needs beyond just the quarterback position. Similarly, the Los Angeles Rams are looking for a replacement for Matthew Stafford. Could a trade be a possibility?
In this scenario, John Spytek holds onto the reins as Raiders general manager. So, at the behest of Tom Brady and Mark Davis, Spytek now has full control of the roster, as he also will be selecting the next head coach. Regardless of who comes in, the Raiders have needs pretty much at every position except for maybe EDGE rusher.
The Rams, for their part, need to think beyond Matthew Stafford, as his body will only hold up for so much longer. If the organization wants to continue its run with a loaded offense, they’ll need a young signal-caller.
In an effort to pile up more picks, Spytek agrees to send the No. 2 pick to the Rams, who will select Fernando Mendoza of Indiana. In exchange, Las Vegas will receive the No. 9 pick, along with the 31st and 63rd selections. Who do the Raiders then pick with those two selections in the first round? Let’s take a look, Raider Nation.
Round 1: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Raiders have spent years chasing fireworks up front—measurables, traits, upside—and waking up to the same problem on Sundays: no identity, no push, no mercy in the run game. Spencer Fano represents something radically different. He represents certainty.
In a league obsessed with ceiling, Fano is about floor—and his floor is concrete.
Turn on the tape and the calm is immediate. No panic. No wasted motion. From snap to whistle, Fano is precise. His run-blocking technique isn’t just strong; it’s refined. His stance is coiled and balanced. He fires off the ball with intent, closes space quickly, wins leverage early and finishes plays without negotiation. Wide zone, gap, backside cutoff—it’s all the same. He understands angles, landmarks and timing at a level few linemen reach.
This is what a run-game savant looks like.
Fano’s athleticism doesn’t announce itself; it shows up. Fluid hips. Elite bend. Short-area quickness that allows him to re-leverage mid-play and climb cleanly to the second level. He makes difficult blocks look routine, not through power, but through positioning, discipline and footwork. He’s consistently in the right place at the right time—a trait that translates and holds up in January.
Why should the Raiders draft Fano?
And yes, there are questions—real ones—in pass protection. His frame isn’t overwhelming. Against long, explosive NFL edge rushers, he can be forced into catching rather than striking. His hands aren’t yet violent or consistently assertive. He mirrors well with his feet, but he doesn’t always finish the rep on his terms. At tackle, that matters.
But here’s the part too many teams overthink: those flaws are correctable. And even if they aren’t fully solved on the edge, they don’t diminish his value—they clarify it.
Move him inside, and suddenly his greatest strengths become devastating. At guard or center, his leverage, balance, and technique turn into weapons. His polish becomes dominance. His consistency becomes control. You’re no longer asking him to survive space—you’re asking him to own it.
This is the kind of offensive lineman the Raiders used to build around. Plug him in. Forget about him for a decade. Let the run game breathe again. Ashton Jeanty will thank you.
Round 1: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Amid the chaos of the 2025 quarterback class, Alabama’s Ty Simpson has quietly emerged as a standout. His 9.4 yards per attempt (10th nationally) and 13 touchdowns (8th overall) speak volumes, especially considering they came against the third-toughest schedule in college football. Despite an early loss to Florida State, Simpson’s play over the past five weeks has been nearly flawless, arguably surpassing all other quarterbacks. His steady rise proves he’s more than just hype—he’s a legitimate talent to watch. You can be sure Spytek and the scouting department have been doing their homework.
But unlike the more immediately flashy quarterbacks, Simpson doesn’t wow you with an overpowering arm or explosive athleticism. His physical traits are solid but not extraordinary by NFL standards. It’s not until you dive into the film that you see why scouts are so high on him. His ability to layer passes over defenders, anticipate throws, and lead receivers with precision is a level of nuance that most college quarterbacks lack.
The turning point? Week 3 against Wisconsin, where Simpson completed 24 of 29 passes for 382 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. His touch on deep throws and placement between defenders was nothing short of elite. This isn’t just a quarterback who can throw a football—this is a quarterback who knows exactly where, when, and how to deliver it.
Why should the Raiders draft Simpson?
But here’s the wrinkle: Simpson is 23. With limited starting experience, his age puts him in a tough spot—stay for another season in college or declare for the draft, risking entering the league with just one year under his belt. Regardless of his decision, Simpson’s command of the offense, unshakable poise, and high-level football IQ point to a future where he could thrive under the NFL spotlight.
With his skill set and maturity, Simpson’s trajectory mirrors that of past quarterbacks who took a slower burn to success, like Tony Romo. He’s the kind of quarterback that, with the right development, could become a franchise centerpiece for years to come. Imagine the Raiders with their own version of Romo?
What are your thoughts on this potential trade scenario, Raider Nation?
*Top Photo: Getty Images