The Las Vegas Raiders attempted to acquire the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft with an eye on one of the top quarterbacks. As draft night approaches, it appears there is still a chance the Raiders will attempt to move into the top five but it will reportedly only be for a specific quarterback.
Las Vegas lost a bidding war with the Carolina Panthers for the first pick, meaning it will likely enter the 2023 NFL Draft with the seventh overall pick. With multiple quarterback-needy teams ahead of the Raiders, it’s increasingly likely that the four best quarterbacks in the draft class will be off the board before Las Vegas is on the clock.
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If general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels want to land one of the top signal-callers, it will seemingly require a trade. There could be multiple options with both the Houston Texans (second pick) and Arizona Cardinals (third pick) open to moving down in the right scenario for a strong offer.
Las Vegas has its starting quarterback for the upcoming 2023 season after signing Jimmy Garoppolo. However, the deal was structured whereas the Raiders can move on from the veteran next offseason without experiencing a significant cap hit. With the team still in the market for a young quarterback to develop, there are reportedly only two top prospects that Las Vegas likes.
During his appearance on SportsCenter, NFL Draft insider Todd McShay said the Raiders are only interested in drafting Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud early in the first round.
“I think it’s much more likely if Houston’s going to make a deal to move out of 2, it’s going to be with Las Vegas and I’m told that Las Vegas is only interested if the quarterback is named Young or Stroud.”
Todd McShay on the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback targets in the 2023 NFL Draft
Carolina is widely expected to take either Stroud or Young with the first pick. Based on the increasing chatter that it will be the Alabama quarterback and that Houston isn’t high on Stroud, there could be an opportunity for the Raiders.
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Given the number of suitors, it’s likely that either the Texans or Cardinals would want Las Vegas to include its 2024 first-round pick along with the seventh pick and additional assets in any deal. While it would be a significant price for the organization to pay, the Raiders’ interest in Stroud suggests it’s possible they trade up for him on draft night.