The Las Vegas Raiders are currently assessing their quarterback options for the upcoming draft with a clearer idea of their preferences. With Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell as the current quarterbacks on the roster, both lacking significant running abilities, the team may lean towards drafting quarterbacks with mobility.
Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams are notable options known for their running abilities alongside strong passing skills, although they may not be attainable for Las Vegas.
ESPN’s Matt Miller predicts that the Raiders could select Oregon’s Bo Nix at No. 13 in the draft. Miller notes that despite the team signing Gardner Minshew and having Aidan O’Connell returning, they are still open to adding a starting-caliber quarterback in the first round. Nix, with extensive college experience including 61 starts, boasts impressive statistics with 113 touchdown passes and 38 rushing scores over five seasons. Miller suggests that Nix’s dual-threat capabilities would enhance the Raiders’ offense under new coordinator Luke Getsy.
Additionally, the Raiders might also consider targeting a right tackle or wide receiver with their draft pick, especially given their relatively quiet offseason on the offensive side in free agency.
In his collegiate career spanning five years, Nix amassed 1,613 rushing yards, showcasing his ability to contribute with his legs on the field. Furthermore, he demonstrated accuracy in passing, setting an NCAA record for completion percentage at 77.45% in 2023.
Bo Nix appears to be a strong quarterback prospect on paper, boasting impressive stats such as throwing 45 touchdowns with only three interceptions last season and accumulating 61 starts. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 214 pounds, he also possesses good physical attributes.
However, despite his statistical achievements, Nix is often ranked lower, typically as the fifth or sixth-best option among quarterbacks in the draft. Several factors contribute to this assessment. Firstly, there’s concern about his age; at 24, having spent five years in college, some question how much more he can develop. Additionally, while he excelled in Oregon’s well-organized offense, his performance at Auburn, prior to transferring, wasn’t as remarkable, raising doubts about his ability to handle the challenges of the NFL.
Given these considerations, while Nix might be an intriguing prospect in the second round, using a top-15 draft pick on him is viewed as risky.
Antonio Pierce Prefers a Quarterback with Mobility
A significant factor that could make Bo Nix a more viable choice for the Raiders compared to Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. stems from recent remarks by head coach Antonio Pierce. In a media session on March 25, Pierce explicitly stated his preference for a quarterback who excels in running plays, stating, “A damn runner.”
Nix has demonstrated his ability to excel as a runner, whereas Penix lacks the same level of mobility. Pierce clarified the significance of having a mobile quarterback, emphasizing the challenges they pose for opposing defenses.
“Those mobile quarterbacks are always troublesome,” Pierce remarked. “Players like Patrick Mahomes become a constant nuisance because they extend plays. What might have been a play ending in 2.2 seconds now stretches to 2.6, 2.7, or even three to four seconds, which is detrimental for a defense.”