In just a few weeks, the Las Vegas Raiders hit the field for training camp in Costa Mesa, California. The rookies will report on July 21st, and the veterans will arrive on July 23rd.
With that in mind, we're beginning our training camp preview series that will take a peek at every position group. We'll identify the roster locks, players on the bubble, competitions to watch, and then make a 53-man roster prediction.
We start at the quarterback position, where the battle for the starting spot between Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew will be the main storyline of camp. 2024 will be the third consecutive year Las Vegas has a new Week 1 starter at the position.
Though O'Connell versus Minshew for the QB1 job will garner all of the attention, Las Vegas has an under-the-radar battle for QB3 between two young signal-callers. Let's break it all down in our first training camp preview.
Raiders training camp preview
Roster locks
Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew
O'Connell had a solid rookie campaign in 2023, tossing 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 5-5 record. The former fourth-round pick showed glimpses of excellent play and has the potential to be Las Vegas' long-term answer.
Minshew has been a backup for most of his career but had a career season in 2023, throwing 15 touchdowns to nine interceptions and nearly leading the Colts to a division title. The 28-year-old's experience and consistency are his best qualities, but doesn't provide hope for a high ceiling compared to O'Connell.
On the Bubble
Anthony Brown Jr., Carter Bradley
It is currently unknown whether Las Vegas rosters two or three quarterbacks, but either way, Brown Jr. and Bradley will fight for a spot on the active roster or practice squad.
Brown Jr. signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders in January after being released by the Ravens in September last season. The former undrafted free agent displayed his dual-threat ability during mandatory minicamp, connecting with his targets and using his legs to pick up first downs, according to Levi Edwards of Raiders.com. Brown Jr. has started just one game in his NFL career in a losing effort to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Carter Bradley signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in April. The 24-year-old played six collegiate seasons starting in 2018 at Toledo, but didn't see the field as a full-time starter until he transferred to South Alabama in 2022. Bradley tossed 47 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in two seasons with the Jaguars and set multiple school records.
Competition to watch
Starting QB: Aidan O'Connell vs. Gardner Minshew
One of these guys will be the starter, and the other will be one of the best backups in the league. O'Connell and Minshew both have compelling cases to be the starter, but training camp will be the determining factor.
We don't yet know what O'Connell's ceiling is, which provides a sense of excitement, but the former Purdue standout will experience some growing pains. Minshew's ceiling isn't the highest, but the former Washington State standout has shown that he can succeed when given the right pieces.
Whether it's O'Connell or Minshew, Las Vegas needs competent quarterback play in 2024 if the team wants to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
53-man roster prediction
Who makes the cut: Aidan O'Connell (QB1), Gardner Minshew
Ultimately, the Raiders will keep two quarterbacks on the active roster. Brown Jr. and Bradley will get cut, but one will be back on the practice squad. I would give the nod to Brown Jr. due to his mobility, as Las Vegas needs some versatility in the quarterbacks room.
Due to his potential and performance towards the end of last year, I would give Aidan O'Connell the nod to be the Raiders' starting quarterback. The 25-year-old already has in-game experience with most of Las Vegas' top offensive players and has too much talent to sit on the bench. The decision will be difficult for Antonio Pierce and his staff, but O'Connell should be the Silver and Black's starter when the team travels to Los Angeles to play the Chargers in week one.
