Currently set to pick 13th overall, the Raiders will need to move up the board if the team decides to use its top pick on one of the 2024 class’ top quarterbacks. An addition of some kind under center is expected, and a move aimed at acquiring Jayden Daniels in particular would be a costly endeavor in terms of draft capital. 
Las Vegas already has Aidan O’Connell – who finished his rookie season as the team’s starter and will at least have the chance to retain QB1 duties in 2024 – along with free agent signing Gardner Minshew in place at the quarterback spot. The Raiders also have a new general manager in Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce (who closed out the 2023 campaign on an interim basis) as a first-time NFL head coach. Electing to stay at No. 13 could thus serve the purpose of retaining draft assets while allowing a new regime to add at other roster spots.
However, ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez reports Raiders owner Mark Davis “has given his blessing” to Telesco and Pierce to make a trade in the first round. While that could of course include a move down the order, it would also mean an aggressive effort aimed at landing a passer like Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy or Daniels could be on the table if a partner were to be found. The latter has been named as the top choice for a hypothetical Raiders trade-up maneuver (along with, notably, that of the Vikings).
Daniels has a connection with Pierce given their time together at Arizona State. The reigning Heisman winner is a candidate to hear his name called second overall, though, putting him firmly on the Commanders’ radar. After Washington (a team expected to retain the No. 2 pick), the Patriots are in line to add a signal-caller if they elect not to trade down. Other teams – such as the Vikings and Broncos – are candidates to move into the top five to acquire a QB, while the Giants (No. 6) have also received the green light from ownership to spend a first-round pick at the position.
Provided the same holds true for the Raiders, they will remain a team to watch closely as the draft draws nearer. Vegas has met with not only Daniels but also Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, passers generally regarded as second-tier prospects in the 2024 class. If a trade partner can be found near the top of the board, though, it will be interesting to see if Telesco, Pierce and the Raiders decide to pursue a high-profile quarterback addition later this month.
If I were the Raiders, I would trade back, not up. If Penix is available at the start of the 2nd round, then go for it. Otherwise, run it with Minshew & O’Connell. If either or both look good, then we win. If neither can play, then we can make a more informed decision in 2025.
Minshew and O’Connell are pretty serviceable and the cost of moving up is prohibitive. I share the same viewpoint as you Joe.
Thirded.
Fourth’d
I’ll fifth it…….and will take a fifth, of bourbon
Been a solid B+ offseason so far, just what we need(ed), per usual darkness always looms around the next corner tho for this organization
Take double O-Line 13 and 44 then let Pierce pick his parts for the D mid rds
Vibes around the rest of the NFL have been a little too gushy towards us for my liking , we should know better and hope we dont get too caught up in them
Next year is NOT make or break for us. Lets lay some concrete this draft, nothing splashy
I agree with you. In any mocks that I do as a Raider, I trade back and only draft a QB if one falls to me.
I agree, but trying to sneak into the back of round 1 is super beneficial for a qb to get the 5th year option
That 5 year option is baloney to me. NE knew they were moving on from Mac well before then. As did the Jets w/ Zach, same for the 9’ers w/ Lance. Chicago cleaned house on Fields; Pit shipped out their QB quickly as well.
At the same time, we know the Jags will either trade or pay Trevor next offseason.
For the 2020 class; Burrow signed well in advance, ditto Love (1 year, looking at long term now), and Herbert. Only Tua isn’t on his 2nd contract, yet.
It’s for the cost savings if you hit on him more than being confused on whether or not he’s the guy. Like Josh Allen’s money is just now kicking in despite Buffalo getting years of good play out of him.
Yeah, it’s all about the discount and without that window where they get the guy way below market value, it would be a real nightmare for some GMs to get needed upgrades and still stay within the salary cap limit.
Trading up would be fine if it only costs this years 1st and a future pick or two not in the first. This draft will be wild with so many trade up proposals coming and going based on the first two players chosen.
Otherwise draft the best player available at 13, so many needs to choose from.
While I advocate for trading back, there is a chance a QB falls. Maye has been getting bad press lately. I think it is all mindless chatter, and that he still goes #2, but if he falls a bit, I think he’s a good target. AZ and LAC aren’t drafting him. I’d still like to see O’Connell get a fair shot, but I’d hate to see an opportunity go by.
For my fellow-Raider fans, does anyone here have an interest in Hendon Hooker? He’d be redundant with O’Connell, but I see similarities between him and Penix, and he cost a heck of a lot less.
If no QB is drafter AND the price is right, he would be a nice addition as depth. He’s a bit old for 2nd yr QB’s but if the cost is low why not? I don’t see why the Lions would trade him for peanuts though.
Just my guess here, but I think they rafted Hooker to sit behind Goff for a year and then replace him. Now, with Goff’s continued success and the Lions near-trip to the SB, Detroit will have to offer Goff a substantial contract.
If Hooker cost the Lions the #68 pick last year, their expectations have to be a decent amount lower, given it is one year left of control. I think the #112 is appropriate.
If I was the Raiders I would sit still @ 13 and trade up in the latter part of the 1st round and draft Penix- IMHO is the best qb if he can stay healthy
Does this trade involve the Raiders getting a barber back so this guys doesn’t have to cut his own hair anymore?
No way. Draft Fuaga at #13 and then fill the holes the rest of the way. I’m not even taking Penix in the 2nd round if he’s available. We could grab a solid interior OL, CB or LB in the 2nd round. Possibly even a WR like Keon Coleman could be available.