The talk surrounding the quarterback talent in this year’s draft has been going on since this time last year. Three have emerged atop this year’s Heisman Trophy race as we head for bowl season. Two of them are playing in Las Vegas tonight in the Pac-12 Championship.
Oregon’s Bo Nix is the Heisman favorite right now. His Ducks will face off against the Washington Huskies led by Heisman candidate Michael Penix Jr.
This game could go a long way in deciding if either Nix can clinch the award or if Penix can overtake him and LSU’s Jayden Daniels to take home the most prestigious award in college football.
Also potentially riding on their performance on this big stage is their place in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Among those teams who will be in the market for a QB come April’s draft are the Raiders who, should they wish to get an up close and personal look at Nix and Penix in this game, need only head down the street to their home stadium.
The draft’s top two quarterbacks are USC’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye. They are currently expected to go in the top three, and potentially the top two.
Currently the Raiders hold a 5-7 record, which has them in line to draft outside the top ten. Therefore Williams and Maye would be out of reach barring a big trade up.
But the likes of Nix or Penix could absolutely be in play at the Raiders do end up drafting. So, some in-person scouting tonight will likely be in order.