One way or another, you can bet that Jon Gruden and the Las Vegas Raiders are going to try to upgrade their quarterback position this offseason. Whether that be signing a veteran quarterback in free agency, drafting one in the first round or waiting until later in the draft, the Raiders will want to bring in some competition for Derek Carr.
Sitting at pick No. 12, it’s very likely that three, if not four quarterbacks could be drafted before the Raiders go on the clock. If that is the case, look for the team to upgrade their wide receiver or linebacker position instead of reaching for a quarterback. However, don’t rule out the possibility of them picking one on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
In a recent mock draft by Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, the Raiders opted to pass on a quarterback in the first round. Instead, they selected Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts at the bottom of the third round.
Hurts had a monster season for the Oklahoma Sooners after transferring out of Alabama. Playing in the Big 12, Hurts completed nearly 70 percent of his passes as he scored 53 touchdowns for the Sooners.
While Hurts needs to continue to improve as a passer, he will have value in the NFL right away as a runner. If the cost is only a late third-round pick to acquire the former National Championship quarterback, look for the Raiders to take a chance on Hurts as a developmental prospect.
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