Indianapolis Colts Could be Passed in NFL Draft by AFC Foe

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Las Vegas Raiders were meeting with Ohio State quarterback and NFL prospect C.J. Stroud this week.

#OSU QB CJ Stroud is currently in Las Vegas on a meeting with the #Raiders, source said. One of the top QBs in the draft. … Las Vegas picks No. 7.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2023

Previously, the Raiders were “out of the race” when they signed former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to be their next leader at the line of scrimmage after the departure of long-time star Derek Carr. Another quarterback-needy team, the Indianapolis Colts, were one less problem from being able to safely stay at number four or trade up to number three with the Arizona Cardinals and secure the spot.

This development with Las Vegas adds another hat to the ring in the race for the perfect fit at quarterback. Previously, it was Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson who were being connected to the Raiders. This was as recent as April 3.

From NFL Now: #Kentucky QB Will Levis is visitig the #Raiders, who host Anthony Richardson later this week. Meanwhile, the #Saints will host UT QB Hendon Hooker starting tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/7VhgC1tVsV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2023

Now, Stroud will be visiting with the Raiders to add to the prospects they’ve seen. However, they currently sit at number seven in the draft. The likelihood that they get Stroud is doubtful. But it’s not out of the question, and crazier things have happened in the NFL draft.

Could the Arizona Cardinals be far happier with the offer from a team that may need to trade more to move further? It’s possible. If this were to happen and the Raiders jumped to number three and were able to land the falling Stroud, it could be an opportunity to groom him behind a veteran like Garoppolo.

This would also leave Indianapolis without the chance to snag Stroud or get the number three pick at that.

With the NFL draft on the horizon, tensions are running high in Indianapolis, with the competition swirling to get Arizona’s third pick. Does the Raiders’ news of visiting with Stroud add more complications should Chris Ballard want to trade up? Only time will tell, and that time is running short for the Colts to make the trade happen.

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