This year, the Las Vegas Raiders have extensively analyzed the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team is apparently very bullish on one quarterback prospect, even though none of the best players will be ranked first in this year’s class.
By signing Gardner Minshew, Las Vegas had already given itself some security at the position. Minshew, who signed a two-year deal worth $15 million with guarantees, gives the Raiders a dependable backup quarterback right away, but they still have great hopes for backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
But both general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce would like to find a quarterback going forward. Now that Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels are most likely out of the picture, Las Vegas may have discovered a highly viable alternative.
NFL writer Charles Robinson stated on the most recent episode of Yahoo Sports’ Inside Coverage podcast that he had heard during the Indianapolis combine that the Raiders “really like” quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The Heisman Trophy finalist and Las Vegas have been linked to each other on multiple occasions in recent memory. In his most recent mock draft, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah—one of the media’s most well-connected analysts—had the Raiders selecting Penix Jr. 13th overall.
There were still unresolved medical issues over Penix Jr. before to the NFL Combine. Throughout his collegiate career, he sustained numerous season-ending injuries, including two tears to his ACL. Additionally, he is among the oldest quarterbacks available in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Thankfully, the quarterback who was just selected to the first team of the All-Americans left Indianapolis with a clean medical report. In addition, he is highly acclaimed for his maturity in team meetings, leadership, and football IQ. His athletic prowess and output have increased the likelihood that he will be selected in the first round.
Given the likelihood of quarterbacks being selected in the first three rounds and the Minnesota Vikings’ strong odds of moving up to choose J.J. McCarthy, Penix Jr. is probably the best quarterback available for Las Vegas. If that’s the case, the Raiders front staff will have to decide whether to choose him at No. 13 or move up for him in hopes that he falls toward the end of Round