Raiders May Have to Trade up for Penix

The Las Vegas Raiders have been rumored to be interested in trading up for quarterback prospect Jayden Daniels. Now, they may have to trade up for quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The Las Vegas Raiders have been rumored to be one of the teams most interested in drafting a quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft. From veteran free agents to quarterbacks who have yet to play a down in the National Football League, the Raiders have been connected to quarterbacks of all kinds for the entire offseason. 

For a second consecutive season, the Raiders will add at least two new quarterbacks to their roster. Few teams around the league have had as much turnover at the quarterback position over the last two seasons as the Raiders. With Raiders coach Antonio Pierce entering his first full season at the helm, Las Vegas is looking to end the musical chairs at the quarterback position.

However, the Raiders still have a quarterback competition this offseason between current starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell and newcomer Gardner Minshew. A new quarterback will eventually be added to the mix as well. 

As the offseason has continued, there has been more buzz around quarterback prospect Michael Penix Jr. As the draft inches closer, the Raiders are in a position to draft a second-tier quarterback without having to trade up. It was initially believed that the Raiders could have the former Washington Husky quarterback fall into their lap at No. 13, but after his Pro Day, Las Vegas might not be so lucky. 

“One interesting thing I've picked up on making calls this week: Coaches seem to be higher than scouts on Washington QB Michael Penix, in general. Some have him ahead of the presumed top guys, excluding Caleb Williams,” said Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

NFL analyst  Ian Rapoport also believes the hype around Penix since his Pro Day has raised his stock considerably. This whole offseason, the Raiders have been rumored to be interested in trading up for Jayden Daniels, but Rapoport believes they may have to trade up for Penix.

“He [Penix] is visiting the Las Vegas Raiders, that’s an intriguing one because they pick 13th,” Rapoport said on Wednesday, the day Penix visited with the Silver and Black. “Could potentially be in the mix for a quarterback, and a lot of people have been talking about them as a team maybe moving up. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have to move up only just a little bit or maybe stay put. Michael Penix Jr. is someone they like.”

The Raiders are facing one of their most crucial draft decisions in recent memory. Whether they draft Penix or someone else, it will be important for General Manager Tom Telesco and the Raiders to get it right.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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