After news surfaced indicating that the Las Vegas Raiders plan to hold discussions with quarterback prospect Michael Penix Jr. in the near future, it appears that many within the betting community now consider the team as a leading candidate to select the standout from the Washington Huskies in the upcoming draft.
The primary focus of discussions regarding the Raiders this offseason has centered around their quarterback situation. Although the coaching staff acknowledges Aidan O’Connell’s performance in 2023, they are seeking both short-term and long-term improvements at the position in 2024. This is one of the reasons they acquired veteran backup Gardner Minshew during free agency.
There has been considerable speculation about the organization’s interest in moving up in the NFL Draft order, potentially from the 13th pick to a position where they could select highly regarded quarterback prospects such as Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, or JJ McCarthy.
However, all signs indicate that it will be exceedingly challenging to acquire a top five to seven pick from the teams holding those selections. As a result, the Las Vegas Raiders are now seriously considering Michael Penix Jr., another talented prospect who is expected to be available when they are on the clock. In an effort to conduct thorough research, it was reported last week that they are one of five teams scheduled to hold discussions with the Heisman Trophy candidate.
The Raiders’ thorough research on Penix Jr. and the circumstances surrounding the situation have contributed to an increase in their odds, according to some bookmakers, of acquiring the talented quarterback in the NFL Draft. Bet MGM released their updated odds on Monday for which team will select the quarterback, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding +350 odds, placing them second behind the Minnesota Vikings, who have +275 odds.
In the first round, preceding the Raiders’ pick at 13th overall, are the Minnesota Vikings at 11th and the Denver Broncos at 12th. Despite both teams’ quarterback needs, the Broncos surprisingly received +500 odds from the prominent betting site. Following them are the Seattle Seahawks at +600 and the New York Giants with +1200 odds.
This illustrates the significant demand for quarterbacks among teams in this year’s draft, with as many as five quarterbacks potentially being selected before the Raiders make their selection at 13th overall.
