The Las Vegas Raiders biggest priority this offseason is finding a long-term solution at quarterback. While the options in NFL free agency are limited, there could be a unique opportunity for the Raiders in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Holding the 13th overall pick in the first round, Las Vegas is not currently well-positioned to take one of the consensus top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. There could be an opportunity to select J.J. McCarthy, who may go much higher than expected, but trading up is the club’s best option.
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Fortunately for Las Vegas, there is a trade-up opportunity. The New England Patriots are open to trading down and the third overall pick would put Las Vegas in a spot to snag a top signal-caller. While both Caleb Williams and Drake Maye would likely be gone, that might work out anyway for Las Vegas.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted on Sunday that there could be interest between the Raiders and LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels. One of the biggest reasons for that is because of Daniels’ connection to head coach Antonio Pierce.
The relationship between Daniels and Pierce goes back years. A California native, Daniels was heavily recruited by Arizona State from 2018-’19. During that period, Pierce was Arizona State’s recruiting coordinator and he maintained his connection with Daniels during their time together with the Sun Devils.
Both men ultimately left the program, with Pierce ascending to become an NFL head coach and Daniels winning the Heisman Trophy after one of the best seasons in college football history.
| NFL QB Rating | YPA | Pass TDs | Completion Rate | |
| Stats vs Pressure | 123.5 (2nd) | 11.1 (1st) | 5 | 50% (23rd) |
| Stats on Play Action | 158.3 (1st) | 12.9 (2nd) | 7 | 77.8% (2nd) |
| Stats on Deep Passes | 146.8 (1st in FBS) | 24.5 (1st) | 22 (1st) | 63.6% (1st) |
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Daniels isn’t nearly as polished of a passer as Williams or Maye, but he is one of the best athletes in the 2024 NFL Draft. He also displayed outstanding year-to-year improvement at LSU, which bodes well for his development at the next level.
Landing Daniels would both provide a spark for the Raiders offense in 2024 and give the franchise a star to build around at Allegiant Stadium. However, the cost of moving up to get him will prove challenging with Las Vegas likely required to trade the 13th overall pick, a 2025 first-round pick and additional assets if it wants to move up for Daniels.
