The Las Vegas Raiders have put together a solid roster on both sides of the ball with their moves in recent years, but the team has a question mark when it comes to the future at the sport's most important position.
As things stand now, the Raiders are set to have a competition between 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell, who finished as the starter last season, and veteran signal-caller Gardner Minshew, who began the 2023 campaign as the Indianapolis Colts' backup before taking over for an injured Anthony Richardson and nearly taking Indy to the playoffs.
While both are good enough to get the Raiders by and allow them to compete for a playoff spot in 2024, the jury is still out on the long-term viability of O'Connell, and Minshew isn't a locked-in, long-term solution, either.
Knowing that, the Raiders could be in the market for a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft. Here's a look at three signal-callers they could target that should be ready to start on Day 1.
We've excluded USC's Caleb Williams, simply because he's fully expected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Chicago Bears.
QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
Daniels is one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks in this year's draft with his arm strength, accuracy, athleticism and pocket presence checking all the necessary boxes.
We also know he has a close relationship with Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, so it's safe to assume he's at or near the top of the list of signal-callers Las Vegas is eyeing.
The problem, of course, is the Raiders would almost certainly have to make a massive leap up to snag him with so many quarterback-needy teams ahead of him.
However, if the option is available and the Raiders believe Daniels is the guy to take them into the future, it's a move they absolutely should make.
QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
Maye's arm talent makes him a candidate to be a Day 1 selection, and it's not crazy to think he could still be on the board when the Raiders are on the clock at No. 13 overall. Trading up from that spot to get him will be easier than it would be for someone like Daniels, also.
Maye is unlikely to top the Raiders' draft board when it comes to this year's crop of quarterbacks, but he'd be a solid consolation prize if they can't get Daniels and is someone Las Vegas could give the ball to in Year 1.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Of the three quarterbacks listed here, Penix Jr. is the most realistic option for Las Vegas. He'll almost certainly be on the board when the Raiders are up and there's a good chance Penix Jr. will be available in the second round, although he might necessitate a trade up from No. 44 overall.
Penix Jr. has a monster arm, displays good accuracy and has the kind of athleticism to avoid the rush and still make plays through the air. He also posted big numbers in college and was part of a winning program.
The biggest concern is his injury history, but it's important to note that he was able to stay healthy the past two years.
If the Raiders aren't able to get their hands on a quarterback on Day 1, Penix Jr. is the best of the bunch slated to be available on Day 2 and is someone who could make an immediate impact at the next level.
