Las Vegas Raiders’ QB plans in 2024 NFL Draft revealed in new report
Much of the conversation surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders going into the 2024 NFL Draft had to do with the team possibly selecting a quarterback.
Granted, the Raiders did sign veteran Gardner Minshew to join a quarterbacks room that also included 2023 fourth-round pick and starter, Aidan O’Connell, but the thought is the Raiders needed more, as neither is considered a true difference-maker.
Ultimately, the Raiders did not come away with a quarterback with any of their six picks, much to the chagrin of many Las Vegas fans out there.
According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders did explore a trade up to No. 2 for LSU signal-caller Jayden Daniels, but with the Washington Commanders unwilling to budge, their attempts failed.
Fowler says that the Raiders did have interest in Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., but only with a stick-and-pick at No. 13 or via a trade back, not with a trade up.
Here’s more from Fowler’s report:
Much was made of the Raiders’ draft plans — and ultimate inaction — at quarterback. Here’s what I know: They explored trading for Jayden Daniels, but any attempts were futile due to Washington’s stance that it wasn’t dealing the No. 2 pick. Las Vegas also had interest in Michael Penix Jr., but most likely not in a trade up. He would have been considered at No. 13 or in a trade back. I heard from multiple people in Vegas that the team did not want to reach.
Fowler’s report also includes a quote from a team source that calls the Raiders’ No. 13 pick, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, “one of the best weapons in the draft.”
“We ended up with one of the best weapons in the draft,” the source said. “Extremely versatile player graded high by everyone.”
Fowler adds that multiple scouts have told him that the new Raiders tight end “might have been the best overall player in the entire field, but positional needs pushed him out of the top 10.”
In his post-draft press conference, Telesco did say the Raiders explored a trade up, although he did not say who for. As far as the Raiders exploring taking a quarterback on Day 2 or 3, he stated that had the Raiders thought there was someone better than what they already had, Las Vegas would have drafted the signal-caller.