Report: Raiders owner gives all clear for trading up in draft

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis

Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce have reportedly received the green light to trade up in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 25.

Per ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez, Raiders owner Mark Davis has “given his blessing for Telesco and Pierce to make a move, any move… so long as it makes sense.” He probably wants to find a franchise quarterback.

Las Vegas QB Aidan O’Connell went 5-5 and posted a below-average 40.5 QBR in 10 starts last season. Free-agent addition Gardner Minshew II – who has posted an above-average 51.2 QBR in five seasons splitting time with the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles – is solid, but he’s not the answer.

The Raiders have the 13th overall pick in the draft. According to Tankathon projections, four of the first six selections could be quarterbacks, so trading up would be smart.

The Arizona Cardinals – who have the fourth overall pick – could be a potential trade partner. They already have a franchise quarterback in former Pro Bowler Kyler Murray. Also, at the scouting combine, some in league circles told the Athletic’s Dianna Russini, “[The Cardinals] are open to trading back.”

Should the Raiders acquire the fourth pick, they could target Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy. Gutierrez also notes that Las Vegas has been linked to LSU’s Jayden Daniels, though Tankathon projects the Washington Commanders to take him at the No. 2 overall slot.

At the annual league meetings earlier this offseason, Pierce complimented McCarthy, saying, “I don’t know how he’s not in the top three, to be honest.”

In 15 games with the Wolverines in 2023, national champion McCarthy completed 72.1% of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 TDs and an excellent 88.2 QBR. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. rates him as the fourth-best passer in this draft class.

Giving up draft capital to take a QB carries risk. Still, the Raiders should consider rolling the dice. If they draft the right passer, it will help Pierce build a winning foundation in his first season as the full-time head coach.

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