The idea of the Las Vegas Raiders moving up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select a quarterback is something that has been floated around for some time now. In particular, the team has been linked to LSU standout and Heisman Trophy Winner Jayden Daniels as the player they could have their eyes on and GM Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce have been open about adding another QB in the draft.
The Raiders do have options as they could look to move up in the draft or stay where they currently are, at 13, and look to select their guy in that spot. Of course, the Raiders could also bypass the position in the first round completely and add one later in the draft.
One thing that is for sure is that the Raiders are exploring all possibilities, including a move-up. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Raiders were one of the teams who contacted the Washington Commanders about moving up to the second overall pick:
Not surprisingly, the #Raiders are among the teams who tested the #Commanders on moving out of 2, even after Washington GM Adam Peters told the media the team planned to stick and pick, sources say. https://t.co/SgeGbVeGBU
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 23, 2024
As Garafolo noted, Commanders GM Adam Peters has previously said that they plan on keeping their pick, and with good reason as they are in need of a franchise quarterback themselves and are in prime position to get one.
But that won’t stop teams from at least reaching out, and Telesco and the Raiders were right in doing so to gauge any potential interest. The question now is whether there are other teams near the top of the draft who would be willing to trade their pick.
This effort by the Raiders shows that they are willing to make a big move in the draft if the opportunity presents itself and the team clearly has eyes on a quarterback. One thing that is for sure is that the Raiders will be a team to watch this week.
Raiders eyeing Michael Penix Jr. if they stay at 13 in NFL Draft?
If the Raiders were to move up, it would likely be for either Jayden Daniels or North Carolina’s Drake Maye. But if the team stands pat at 13, there are sure to be options there as well if they insist on selecting a quarterback.
One of those options is Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. who was the Heisman Trophy runner-up. One reported believes the Raiders are big fans of Penix and could consider selecting him with the 13th overall pick should they remain there.
