Antonio Pierce, the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, recently disclosed his top quarterback preference heading into the highly anticipated 2024 NFL Draft during the NFL Owners meeting.
“J.J. McCarthy you’re talking about a National Champ, a winner. So I don’t know how he’s not in the top three if you want to be honest.”
With a total of eight picks in the upcoming draft, the Raiders hold the 13th overall pick. The question arises: Will they undertake significant efforts to maneuver and secure McCarthy, should they opt for him?
The quarterback landscape for the Raiders remains dynamic. Pierce has affirmed that Aidan O’Connell has merited the opportunity to vie for a starting position.
Furthermore, the Raiders have bolstered their roster by acquiring Garner Minshew, an NFL journeyman renowned for his reliable backup role and adored by fans wherever he plays. Both Minshew and O’Connell will be contenders for the starting quarterback position, yet the Raiders are inclined towards integrating a younger prospect.
Pierce’s admiration for McCarthy is evident, but as the draft approaches, McCarthy’s stock is rapidly ascending. Following an impressive Pro Day performance, McCarthy’s name has ascended into discussions for top-five draft picks.
It’s widely acknowledged that McCarthy is unlikely to be available by the time the Raiders make their 13th pick. Can the Raiders orchestrate a move to secure him ahead of other NFL teams?
To do so, the Raiders would need to leapfrog the Denver Broncos, who hold the 12th pick, and the Minnesota Vikings, who hold the 11th pick. The Broncos, divisional rivals of the Raiders in the AFC West, have publicly expressed interest in moving up in the draft, fueling speculation about their admiration for McCarthy as well.
It remains to be seen whether Antonio Pierce and the Las Vegas Raiders will be audacious enough to position the Raiders strategically to snatch McCarthy away from a divisional adversary.
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