The Las Vegas Raiders desperately need to upgrade their quarterback room heading into the 2025 season.
Among Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew, and Desmond Ridder, the Raiders went 4-13 and the three combined for just 19 passing touchdowns, 16 interceptions, while averaging a paltry 18.2 points per game (ranking 27th in the NFL).
The Raiders hold the sixth overall pick in the upcoming draft, and besides the quarterback position, they also have needs among the running back, wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive tackle groups.
Las Vegas will be scouring the free-agent market to find a veteran quarterback, with options including Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Aaron Rodgers, and Sam Darnold.
They are also expected to take a quarterback in the draft, but a top ESPN draft guru predicts it won’t happen in the first round.
NFL Draft analyst: Las Vegas Raiders take QB prospect in second round
ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid believes the Raiders will find their franchise quarterback in Jaxson Dart, but with the 37th overall pick in the second round.
“The Raiders are in position to take a chance on a Day 2 quarterback, which would be Dart if the board falls this way. He needs time to develop behind a veteran signal-caller, because it will be a big transition for him from Lane Kiffin’s offense to any NFL scheme. But Dart has upside,” Reid wrote.
Dart has been shooting up draft boards following his very impressive senior season at Ole Miss. He led the SEC in completion percentage (69.3%), throwing yards (4,279), yards gained per pass completion (15.5), and yards gained per game (329.2). Dart also led all of FBS in yards gained per pass attempt (10.8), adjusted yards gained per pass attempt (11.53), and passing efficiency rating (180.7).
If the Raiders do go the Dart route, it would behoove Las Vegas to find a steady veteran quarterback who could steer the ship for the next year or two before Dart is ready.
As for the Raiders’ first-round pick, Reid has them taking Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty instead of addressing their quarterback need immediately.