Following reports that the Las Vegas Raiders are set to meet with quarterback prospect Michael Penix Jr. soon, it looks like many around the betting world now see the franchise as a top pick to take the Washington Huskies star later this month.
The biggest talking point surrounding the Raiders this offseason has been on the QB situation. While the coaching staff respects the work of Aidan O’Connell in 2023, they are looking for a short and long term upgrade at the position in 2024. That is part of why they signed veteran backup Gardner Minshew in free agency.
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- Michael Penix Jr. injuries: He suffered season-ending injuries in his first four seasons in college at Indiana, two torn ACLs and two shoulder injuries
It is also why there has been a whole bunch of buzz about the organization trading up in the NFL Draft order from 13 to a position there they could land highly touted QB prospects like Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, or JJ McCarthy.
However, all indications are it will be extremely hard to pry a top five to seven pick away from the teams in those spots and it has forced Las Vegas to seriously consider Michael Penix Jr., another talented prospect who should be on the board when the Raiders are on the clock. In an effort to do their due diligence, it was reported last week they are one of five teams set to talk to the Heisman Trophy candidate.
It seems the facts of the matter and the Raiders doing their homework on Penix Jr. has pushed up their odds among some bookmakers to land the gifted signal caller in the NFL Draft. On Monday, Bet MGM revealed their latest odds for who will take the QB and gave the silver-and-black +350 odds. Second to the Minnesota Vikings and their +275 odds.
Ahead of them in Round 1 is the Minnesota Vikings (11) and the Denver Broncos (12). Both teams need a quarterback but the Broncos surprisingly received +500 odds from the popular betting site. After them are the Seattle Seahawks at +600 and the New York giants with +1200 odds.
It just shows how many QB-needy teams there are heading into this year’s draft that as many as five QBs could be off the board before the Raiders are on the clock at 13.
- Michael Penix Jr. draft projection: Could be selected anywhere from 11 to 25 in Round 1
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