Michigan QB prospect J.J. McCarthyDavid Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesWith O'Connell and Minshew in the fold, it won't be a complete disaster if the Raiders exit the draft without a new quarterback of the future. O'Connell was mostly steady as a rookie, and Minshew is one of the better backups and spot-starters in the league.
A playoff run is entirely fathomable with that duo leading the depth chart.
However, neither O'Connell nor Minshew has shown enough to suggest that the Raiders shouldn't be interested in upgrading the position. A lot will hinge on how the beginning of Round 1 unfolds and whether drafting a quarterback early is realistic.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Raiders were exploring the option of trading up for a quarterback during the scouting combine.
Should a prospect like LSU's Jayden Daniels or Michigan's J.J. McCarthy fall to within reasonable trade range for the Raiders, making a move would make sense. Minshew is well-suited for the bridge role, and O'Connell can provide value as a long-term backup.
Landing a quarterback in Round 1 would give Las Vegas a high-upside quarterback to develop for the future. The QB class isn't particularly deep, but the Raiders could also consider a prospect like Washington's Michael Penix Jr. or Oregon's Bo Nix.
Given the talent at the top, Las Vegas should take a chance this year if the cost is sensible. If an early run at the position makes it illogical, the Raiders can always start eyeing the 2025 class.
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