The Las Vegas Raiders have the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft, and many are wondering if they will try to take a quarterback.
The Raiders don’t seem to be that committed to center Aidan O’Connell, as evidenced by the fact that they signed Gardner Minshew in free agency.
Additionally, head coach Antonio Pierce has made it clear that Las Vegas is still looking for a franchise player at the position, indicating that he does not view O’Connell as a player of the future.
If the Raiders remain at No. 13, they won’t be able to acquire one of the top prospects, but there is another signal-caller the Raiders could keep an eye on. That’s Washington star Michael Penix Jr.
ESPN’s Matt Miller recently reported that Las Vegas is definitely considering taking Penix at that spot.
“What I keep hearing from people I trust is that the Raiders really like Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and could draft him 13th overall.” Miller wrote. “This comes as a surprise despite the fact that Penix throws beautifully out of the pocket and has the best overall arm strength in this class.”
Miller added that while Penix’s medical history and inconsistent athleticism are a concern heading into the NFL Draft, there is “buzz” that Las Vegas is seriously considering a first-round pick for Penix. .
Also interesting is that Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, who is expected to be taken early in the draft, recently said he would like to play with Penix in Las Vegas.
Penix is ​​coming off an impressive 2023 season in which he threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, completing 65.4 percent of his passes. He led the Huskies to the National Championship Game, but the Huskies lost to Michigan.
We’ll see next Thursday whether the Raiders ultimately take Penix.
