Raiders a Dark Horse Option to Draft Spencer Rattler

The Las Vegas Raiders announced earlier in the offseason that they would have a quarterback competition between current starter Aidan O’Connell and another quarterback, Gardner Minshew. The Raiders signed Minshew to a fair contract for an expected backup quarterback who could be their starting quarterback one day -- or, at the very least, a backup quarterback who could see significant playing time. 

However, even after signing Minshew, the Raiders again let it be known they were still in the market for a quarterback. Since then, they have been linked to numerous veteran quarterbacks. They have also been rumored to be interested in trading up for one of the NFL Draft’s best quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels.

The Heisman Trophy winner is familiar with Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, which many believed was reason enough for them to mortgage their future to trade up for the talented quarterback. 

Along with Daniels, the Raiders have also met with quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, again confirming their interest in adding a quarterback to their roster this offseason. The Raiders have many issues that need to be addressed on their roster and already have two competent quarterbacks. It may not be wise for them to spend the No. 13 pick on a high-risk position such as quarterback when O’Connell and Minshew have proven they are capable signal-callers.

If the Raiders were to draft a quarterback, it seems unlikely they would do so with the No.13 pick. It would make sense for them to either trade up for a quarterback. An even better idea would be for the Raiders to trade back in the first round, accumulate more picks and draft one of the second-tier quarterbacks available. 

Spencer Rattler would be one of the best quarterbacks likely to be available late in the first round or early in the second round. ESPN's Jordan Reid explained why Rattler is climbing up the draft day boards.

“I made the rounds to a bunch of pro days over the past month, and I came away really impressed with Rattler," Reid said. "He has had a solid pre-draft process overall. Rattler is a balanced and in-rhythm thrower, and despite playing behind a struggling offensive line, he finished 2023 with 3,186 passing yards and 19 touchdown passes. The talent is obvious, but quicker decision-making under pressure is still needed.”

The Raiders can cross multiple positions of need off their checklist with one or two quality moves in the draft. Trading back and drafting Rattler or another quality option could help them immensely.

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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