It’s no secret that the Las Vegas Raiders covet a franchise quarterback and will do what they can to try and find that signal caller in this year’s draft. After signing free agent veteran Gardiner Minshew and seeing second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell perform well in 2023, the Raiders are reportedly doing what they can to move up in next week’s draft or perhaps target a later first-round pick in Michael Penix, Jr. or Bo Nix.
The Raiders, under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, are bolstering their quarterback room with prospects suited for a West Coast Offense. While Antonio Pierce and his new offensive play caller could quickly adapt the system to fit one of their top choices at the position, if we look to Las Vegas’ Plan C, D, or E, there are other options. Although, they wouldn’t be expected to compete for the starting role.Â
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Las Vegas Raiders offensive scheme and impact on drafting a quarterback
The Raiders’ offensive scheme is similar to what Kyle Shanahan has run with the San Francisco 49ers. It places particular importance on timing, accuracy, and decision-making factors that could influence the Raiders’ decisions if they draft a quarterback in the middle rounds.
Let’s delve into four quarterback options for the Raiders, who could excel in Getsy’s strategy.
Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
Strengths: Spencer Rattler, previously hailed as a college prospect, showcases a natural ability for quick and precise throws. They are key attributes valued in the West Coast Offense. His knack for making decisions and delivering accurate passes on short—to mid-range routes makes him an intriguing choice for the Raiders. Rattler’s agility enables him to evade pressure and extend plays — adding an element to his performance.
Weaknesses: Criticisms surrounding Rattler often revolve around his consistency and decision-making when under pressure. He has faced challenges maintaining performance levels during high-stress situations, which resulted in passes and turnovers. For a system that heavily relies on execution and dependability, these concerns could raise some red flags.
Fit: If Rattler can tap into his talents and maintain consistent performance, his skill-set could prove highly effective in Getsys offensive strategy making him a valuable choice in the later rounds.
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Jordan Travis, Florida State
Strengths: Jordan Travis brings agility and strong playmaking skills, which are extremely important for maneuvering within the pocket and creating opportunities when plays go awry. His improved accuracy has impressed pro scouts, especially while on the move. His uptick and Florida State’s successful year show he could grow in a system that prioritizes precision.
Weaknesses: Travis has faced challenges with injuries throughout his college career, raising doubts about his durability. Furthermore, although he has enhanced his deep ball accuracy, it still lacks consistency compared to his range passing abilities.
Fit: As for how he fits in with the Raiders, Travis’s knack for improvisation could complement the West Coast offense’s approach. This would offer the Raiders a quarterback who can adhere to game plans and adjust when necessary.
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Michael Pratt, Tulane
Strengths: Michael Pratt’s time at Tulane highlighted his resilience and leadership qualities. He excelled in a program that received less attention than others in this quarterback class. His powerful throwing arm and quick release make him an excellent fit for a system that demands ball distribution. Pratt has demonstrated his ability to handle pressure effectively, often making good choices in challenging situations leading to positive yardage plays.
Weaknesses: On the downside, Pratt faced varying levels of competition in college. It could mean he will need time to adjust to the NFL. His mechanics and footwork require fine-tuning to enhance his efficiency and accuracy.
Fit: Regarding suitability within a West Coast offense that values decision-making and precision, Pratts’s strong arm and composed playing style could position him as a reliable system quarterback for the Raiders. This is especially true if he can work on refining his techniques.
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Joe Milton III, Tennessee
Strengths: There’s no question Joe Milton III boasts impressive physical attributes, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds. His arm strength allows him to execute the throws you’d expect from an NFL quarterback. His proficiency in throwing the ball helps to stretch defenses and means he can adapt to various play calls. His height means he can see over the line of scrimmage and minimize chances of blocked passses—an asset in an offense emphasizing quick releases.
Weaknesses: Despite his arm capabilities, Milton struggles with accuracy and touch on shorter passes—an essential aspect of excelling, in a West Coast offensive scheme. His ability to process information quickly has also been questioned; he will need to speed up his ability to read defenses to excel in Getty’s system, which relies heavily on timing.
Fit: In terms of potential, if Milton can enhance his passing abilities and make quicker decisions, his natural throwing ability and physical attributes could position him as a promising project with significant potential in the mid to late rounds of the draft.
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If the Las Vegas Raiders can’t or decide not to pull the trigger on a quarterback in the first or second round of the NFL Draft, they will have a variety of choices when it comes to shaping their quarterback room for the future.
Among these quarterbacks—Spencer Rattler, Jordan Travis, Michael Pratt and Joe Milton III—each brings strengths but would not be expected to compete for the starting job next season for the Raiders. Their success with the Raiders will hinge on adjusting their talents to align with a system that prioritizes accuracy, timing, and intelligent decision-making.