Key Takeaways:
– Las Vegas Raiders were linked with quarterback Jayden Daniels but he wasn’t within realistic reach.
– Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. was a potential pick for the Raiders until the Atlanta Falcons swooped in at No. 8.
– Former Raiders wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh strongly advocated for the Raiders to select Penix.
– Despite a tough season with their quarterback lineup, the Raiders might stand a chance in the playoffs with their current quarterbacks.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Potential Interest in Michael Penix
The Las Vegas Raiders were connected with quarterback Jayden Daniels in the lead-up to the draft. However, since Daniels stood as the No. 2 overall pick, his selection never appeared likely. This uncertainty led to rising speculations around Michael Penix of Washington to be the Raiders’ probable next starting quarterback.
In an unexpected move, the Atlanta Falcons seized the opportunity to draft Penix, the 2023 Maxwell Award-winning quarterback, with the No. 8 pick. This development left many wondering whether the Raiders would have chosen Penix if he were available at their No. 13 pick.
TJ Houshmandzadeh’s Advocacy for Penix
Former Raiders wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who shares a close bond with head coach Antonio Pierce, voiced his support for Penix. He revealed that he strongly urged for the Raiders to choose Penix, provided he was available at their pick.
Addressing the rumors on the May 2 episode of “The Herd,” Houshmandzadeh stated, “I thought Penix was gonna be a Raider. I told ’em, I said, ‘y’all better not pass on Penix.’ … ‘Y’all better not pass on him, I’m telling you now.'”
Unable to score Penix in the draft, the Raiders’ strategy remains a subject of speculation. Despite Houshmandzadeh’s influence over Pierce, general manager Tom Telesco seemed more focused on selecting the best player available, which resulted in him drafting tight end Brock Bowers.
Could the Raiders Regret Their Decision?
The requirement for a new quarterback couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Raiders. Free agency didn’t offer many promising options and, to top it off, six quarterbacks were off the table before their No. 13 pick.
Equipped with quarterbacks like Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders might have ideally considered a potential upgrade through the draft. However, they failed to initiate a trade-up. Unfortunately, the top teams were unwilling to trade down, leaving the Raiders empty-handed.
The Raiders and Their Playoff Prospects
Last season, with a mid-year coaching change and an unstable quarterback roster, the Raider managed an 8-9 run. The current quarterbacks, Minshew and O’Connell, at the team offer a potential upgrade over the previous season.
Added to the mix are important new recruits like defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and Bowers. While an elite quarterback may be missing, the Raiders could find their way into the playoff mix under coach Pierce.
Let’s not overlook the talent scattered across the Raiders’ roster. If Minshew manages to show a slight upgrade over last season’s performance, a 10-win season could be on the horizon. However, a more significant win number might necessitate a quarterback upgrade.