Trade news: Raiders become more favorite to land top-3 QB prospect worth $142 million
Jayden Daniels of LSU is attracting the attention of the Vikings and the Raiders
With the NFL Draft less than a month away, teams that are looking to change their selection slot are going to be involved in the rumor mill. Since this year’s draft class features a slew of high-level quarterbacks, the rumors are likely to fly hot and heavy as the NFL Draft grows closer and closer. The The Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders have significant quarterback needs, and both teams would like to move into one of the top three drafting positions.
The Vikings have added veteran Sam Darnold to man the quarterback position following the departure of high-priced veteran Kirk Cousins.
However, Darnold looks like a transition quarterback at this point in his career and not a player that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell can build the team around.
The Raiders have second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell and they also signed Gardner Minshew during free agency. Minshew had an outstanding year as the backup for the Indianapolis Colts and he could be the starting quarterback for head coach Antonio Pierce in the 2024 season.
However, while Minshew is accurate, smart and resourceful, he does not appear to be the kind of quarterback who is going to lead the team for multiple seasons.
Quarterbacks could be drafted with each of top 4 spots
It is quite likely that the Chicago Bears will select Caleb Williams of USC with the No. 1 pick in the draft. The Bears have traded former starter Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the offseason and they clearly need a franchise quarterback. There is no reason to think they are going to fall away from the No. 1 pick and Williams in the days and weeks before the draft.
Jayden Daniels of LSU and Drake Maye of North Carolina are the next two quarterbacks likely to go in the draft. The Washington Commanders have a huge need at the position and could select either of those candidates. The New England Patriots sent former quarterback Mac Jones to Jacksonville and they also have to fill the position with a legitimate quarterback prospect. If the Commanders select Daniels, Maye would be their likely selection.
The Arizona Cardinals have the No. 4 pick and they appear likely to hold on to quarterback Kyler Murray at this point. If that is accurate, their draft pick would be in play for a team that needs one of the elite quarterbacks.
If Williams, Daniels and Maye have already been selected, J.J. McCarthy of Michigan could be the next quarterback selected. The Vikings or Raiders may want to trade into that spot to select McCarthy, but both teams may really be interested in Daniels.
