We are just 12 days away from the NFL Draft, and the Las Vegas Raiders have so many options with what they can do with the 6th overall pick. The team did a really nice job in free agency filling needs, specifically at quarterback, allowing them some flexibility in the first round.
Many have pegged running back Ashton Jeanty as the Raiders selection at six, but there has been growing chatter about the Raiders still selecting a quarterback, even with Geno Smith under contract for the next three seasons.
If they did select a quarterback, no matter the round, what would that mean for former starter Aidan O’Connell?
If The Raiders Draft A QB, What Would Happen With Aidan O’Connell?
Raiders Insider for The Athletic, Vic Tafur, recently held a mailbag where he answered fans’ questions, and he addressed the quarterback situation and his thoughts on O’Connell moving forward.
“Still, bringing in a young quarterback to learn behind Smith makes sense (and we think the Raiders might trade Aidan O’Connell on draft weekend),” writes Tafur. New Minority owner Tom Brady likes the idea of rookie quarterbacks sitting and soaking it all in, and there are some interesting options even in what is a down year in the draft for QBs.”
O’Connell is still just 26 years old and has played 20 games for the Silver and Black since 2023. Over those 20 games, he garnered 3,830 yards passing, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
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There is the idea that he could simply be the one to sit behind Smith and develop within Chip Kelly’s system. However, age does come into play. The Raiders can reset, get a rookie QB, and hope that he will be ready to go by the time he is O’Connell’s current age.
The big question will be what kind of trade market O’Connell can drum up. Everyone is always looking for quarterbacks, even backups, and O’Connell does have those 20 games of experience.
If the Raiders are able to add another late-round pick in the process, it could end up being what is best for both sides.