Jason Burgos
The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly tried hard to move up to the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft earlier this year, and a well-known NFL analyst confirmed this week the quarterback prospect they were specifically targeting in the annual event.
This year’s draft featured four QB prospects that NFL evaluators believed could be taken in the opening round between Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis. Heading into the event there was a solid debate on which player might go first overall and that is why there were many organizations interested in trading into the top two spots.
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One of those teams was the Las Vegas Raiders, and in the spring there were reports about the franchise making a concerted attempt to finalize a deal with the Chicago Bears when they had the top overall selection. Unfortunately for them, they were unsuccessful in their pursuit to move up from the seventh pick and instead the Carolina Panthers had what it took to land the coveted selection.
- CJ Stroud stats (2023): 1,461 pass yards, 7 TD, 0 INT, 98.4 passer rating
Las Vegas Raiders wanted CJ Stroud in 2023 NFL Draft
While NFL fans have known for months that the Raiders wanted one of the top QB prospects, which one has been unclear. That is until now. During a Tuesday appearance on the “Dan Patrick Show,” ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky spilled the tea on who Las Vegas wanted when talking about their current QB situation and if Davante Adams could be a useful trade asset.
“I don’t think that the Raiders are a real player right now,” Orlovsky said. “But it’s easy to say that when you’re not Josh McDaniels or Dave Ziegler their general manager. If those guys have security, then it’s probably a worthy conversation because maybe you provide yourself assets to go get a quarterback in the next draft. We know that they tried to go get CJ Stroud this past year. But if those guys are still in limbo, I don’t think you can move [Davante Adams] because he is by far your best offensive player.”
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Based on how the season has played out so far, Stroud would have been a very good choice. He has broken the record for most pass attempts by a rookie QB without an interception and has thrown for 280 or more yards in three of his first five games with the Texans. While Young has struggled in his rookie season, Richardson has battled injuries, and Levis can’t get on the field for the Titans.
