The Raiders are expected to select a quarterback early in the 2023 NFL Draft. But will that come at pick No. 7 or later? That remains to be seen. But if the Raiders decide to pass on a quarterback with their first pick, who might still be available later in the draft that could be a long-term option?
In a recent article by Chad Reuter of NFL.com, he suggested that the Raiders could make a trade up from No. 38 into Round 1 to secure a quarterback. In turn, that would give them the fifth-year option to use on their next franchise quarterback.
But what quarterback will even make it to the bottom of Round 1? There is only one name that makes sense and that is Hendon Hooker from Tennessee. Here is what Reuter has to say about the potential trade and why it would make sense for the Raiders:
Even if the Raiders don’t select a QB seventh overall, they could still presumably be in the market for an up-and-coming signal-caller after signing Jimmy Garoppolo to a mid-level starter contract (three years, $72.75 million), not least because the veteran has missed time due to injuries, while 2022 backup Jarrett Stidham signed with Denver.
In this scenario, former Tennessee and Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker would be the most likely target, if he has not already heard his name called at the podium in Kansas City.
Picking a 25-year-old quarterback coming off a torn ACL in Round 1 isn’t ideal. But picking him at the bottom of Round 1 does make some sense if the plan is to stash him for a year or two. And gaining the additional fifth-year option would give the team more contract flexibility.
While Hooker doesn’t seem like an ideal fit in Josh McDaniels’ offense, he is a talented quarterback with a ton of production in the SEC. If he still is available at the bottom of Round 1, don’t rule out the possibility of the Raiders making a move up for him and sitting him behind Jimmy Garoppolo for the next few years.
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