Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco finds himself in a challenging position as the team’s draft outlook shifts dramatically. For much of the season, the Raiders appeared to be in control of their destiny to secure the No. 1 overall pick. However, a Week 16 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars disrupted those plans, dropping the Raiders to No. 6 in the draft order, according to Tankathon.
With just two games left, the Raiders have a slim chance of moving back up the board, but it’s increasingly likely they’ll miss out on a top-three pick. This could eliminate their chances of selecting Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, both of whom are considered the premier quarterback prospects in the class.
The quarterback market becomes murkier outside of the top two, as there’s no clear third prospect worthy of a top-10 pick. Nevertheless, the Raiders’ need at quarterback is undeniable. Kyle Crabbs of The 33rd Team has projected Las Vegas to take Alabama’s Jalen Milroe at No. 6, despite his current status as a raw prospect.
The Raiders’ win against the Jaguars has completely reshuffled expectations for the top of the draft,” Crabbs noted in a Dec. 23 mock draft. “Falling behind Tennessee and Cleveland complicates their path to drafting a top quarterback. Ultimately, they choose the most physically gifted player available in Jalen Milroe. While Milroe requires significant development compared to Ward and Sanders, his unique skill set could form the foundation for a dynamic, unconventional offense. If Ward and Sanders are off the board by the time the Raiders make their first-round selection, the team may need to consider alternative strategies. Trading down or addressing other roster needs could be on the table, with plenty of elite prospects available in the draft’s early stages.
That said, the Raiders must prioritize adding a quarterback to their roster. Should Milroe fall to the second round, he may present a more enticing option. Other potential second-round targets could include Jaxson Dart, Dillon Gabriel, or Carson Beck.
