Raiders Hope Aidan O'Connell's Physical Growth Translates to the Field

The Las Vegas Raiders are hoping quarterback Aidan O'Connell's growth this offseason will translate to better play and more wins next season.

The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback position was a hot topic of conversation last season and has and will continue to be this offseason, as the Raiders plan on having a quarterback competition.

Quarterback Aidan O’Connell performed admirably as the team’s starter last season and will battle to keep the starting position again this offseason. 

O’Connell, who looked visibly larger and stronger during the team’s first day of voluntary workouts, says he’s taken his offseason workout regimen to a new level during his second offseason in the league. 

"I mean, I think it's a never-ending task, just trying to stay healthy and work on my nutrition," O'Connell told media members on Monday. "I'm setting up a nutrition plan with our dietician, Ricky [Ng]. Just really on all aspects trying to use the resources at my availability.

“In the weight room, our strength coaches do an awesome job. In the training room, dietician, mental health, like everything that's at my fingertips, I want to definitely try to use to try to be the best overall athlete I can be." 

O’Connell faced more adversity than most rookie quarterbacks during their first season. He undoubtedly faced more adversity than most quarterbacks drafted in the fourth round who started their rookie season as the third-string quarterback.

Still, O’Connell stood tall, going 5-4 as the team’s full-time starter during the second half of the season. O’Connell faced arguably the most unique situation of any quarterback in the league, and he performed well considering the circumstances.  

"I think it's a combination of things,” O’Connell said while reflecting on his rookie season. “I think definitely that it's difficult to play in this league and to have a coaching change. And I think I was lucky, obviously, at the time, it was hard, but lucky to go through a lot of craziness in my first year.

“And so, obviously, the NFL was crazy, and things are going to happen, but I think definitely all the changes that happened in the first year are definitely going to help me for the future. And then just trying to be more grateful, trying to have more gratitude for the situation I'm in. 

“I think I got a little too narrow-minded last year and just closed off and put too much pressure on myself at times rather than taking a step back and being grateful for the opportunity that I get. I wasn't really supposed to be here by any means, to be in this position. And so, to get the opportunity to compete and play is a privilege." 

A player’s most significant improvement in play comes between their first and second year in the league. The Raiders are hoping the physical strength O’Connell has gained this offseason and the mental strength O’Connell gained through last season’s adversity will translate to a significant increase in production from the quarterback this season.

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.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.