The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly doing their due diligence on one of the most talented and divisive quarterbacks available in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas began the offseason with a major need to find an answer to their quarterback dilemma after ending Derek Carr’s nine-year tenure as their signal caller. Early in NFL free agency, they address the need by signing San Francisco 49ers veteran Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal worth $48.5 million. However, as reliable as Garoppolo can be he likely isn’t their long-term answer for the position.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders GM says Jimmy Garoppolo was signed for 2 specific reasons
The Las Vegas Raiders enter the April NFL Draft with the seventh pick overall. While it is a valuable spot in any draft, it likely keeps them outside the range to select top QB prospects, Bryce Young and CJ Stroud. But it probably would put them in a position to take the next best options in this year’s class.
Las Vegas Raiders record (2022): 6-11, third place in AFC West
One of those prospect options is Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson. A player that has received NFL projections from NFL analysts and experts that are all over the board. In an effort to leave no stone unturned, the Las Vegas Raiders are doing their homework on Richardson.
On Thursday, NFL Media league insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Raiders had dinner with the 20-year-old prospect on Wednesday in a clear sign that they are open to the idea of taking him with their pick in the opening round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Many draft experts believe Richardson is the type of player that will need a year or two as a backup to really develop his skills for the next level after only being a starting QB in college for one season. However, he might be a steal at seven with some believing he could be the best player in this class based on pure talent and potential. Which means he could be a good fit for Las Vegas.
Yet, there are also similarities to many other signal-callers that have entered the league with limited time as a starter and completely flopped in the NFL. New York Jets’ recent first-round picks in Zach Wilson, Sam Darnold, and Mark Sanchez are just a few examples.