If Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden come to the conclusion that they need to upgrade their quarterback situation this offseason, they will have plenty of options. First up will be free agency, where numerous starting-level quarterbacks are likely to come available.
However, the most likely avenue the Raiders will use to address a possible quarterback need is through the draft. With the Raiders having the No. 12 and No. 19 picks in the first round, the team will have plenty of options when it comes to finding their next franchise passer.
One name that has to be on the Raiders’ radar is Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert. After returning for his senior season, Herbet posted career numbers in Eugene as he completed nearly 67 percent of his passes. And in a recent mock draft by Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, that is who the Raiders selected at pick No. 12:
The Raiders are so difficult to peg because Derek Carr could definitely be the quarterback in 2020 and I don’t think many people would view that as a massive mistake. But Herbert’s size, athleticism, starting experience, and arm talent get him drafted inside the top 15.
Herbert has everything you would want in a franchise quarterback. He has an elite arm with the prototypical size and athleticism needed from the quarterback position. However, he needs to continue to be more consistent and better when under pressure.
If the Raiders decided to select Herbert, they could use Derek Carr until the former Oregon Ducks’ star was ready. Or, the team could move on from Carr after the draft to avoid any potential quarterback controversy.
Either way, expect Herbert to be the third or fourth quarterback off the board in April and for him to be a potential target for the Raiders at pick No. 12.
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