The Las Vegas Raiders have made a clear commitment to veteran quarterback Geno Smith for at least the next two seasons with the contract extension they recently granted him. However, the structure of the deal suggests a shorter-term outlook, as the team retains significant flexibility to part ways after those initial two years.
This contractual design hints that the Raiders likely do not view the 34-year-old Smith as their long-term solution at the quarterback position.
While it’s considered improbable that the Raiders would utilize their coveted No. 6 overall pick in the first round of the upcoming draft on a quarterback, the landscape of possibilities opens up considerably in the subsequent rounds.
Las Vegas Raiders Have “done a lot of work” Evaluating NFL Draft QB
According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, the Raiders have reportedly “done a lot of work” on evaluating Jalen Milroe throughout this offseason, and the team has spent significant time meeting with him. While this level of pre-draft attention doesn’t guarantee that they intend to select him, it certainly indicates a genuine interest in his potential.
Among the quarterback prospects in this year’s class, the former Alabama football signal-caller stands out as a particularly intriguing option for teams looking to develop a high-ceiling talent. Milroe possesses an elite combination of speed and arm strength, attributes that are increasingly valued in modern NFL offenses. However, his current profile also includes areas for significant development, notably in terms of accuracy and consistency as a passer.
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Recognizing this developmental stage, Milroe would likely benefit from a year or two spent learning behind a seasoned veteran before being thrust into regular NFL game action. Despite this need for refinement, his raw physical tools are captivating enough that some teams could be tempted to select him as early as the second round of the draft.
As it stands, it remains a challenging proposition to envision the Raiders spending their second-round pick on Milroe, given his developmental needs. However, should Milroe happen to fall to the third round of the draft, he could very much become a viable target for Las Vegas, offering a high-upside prospect to groom behind Smith. Ultimately, the trajectory of Milroe’s draft stock remains uncertain, meaning the Raiders may or may not have the opportunity to select him when their picks come around.