In the initial weeks of Raiders training camp, it appears that the team may have missed an opportunity to address their quarterback situation more aggressively, a concern that became evident during the 2023 NFL season.
While Aidan O’Connell performed adequately, he fell short of elevating the Raiders to serious contender status. The decision to bring in veteran Gardner Minshew as a bridge quarterback seemed logical, yet the team’s inability to draft a quarterback in the first round due to draft dynamics leaves the role of Minshew uncertain.
The current plan involves relying on O’Connell and Minshew for the 2024 season, hoping that one will perform well enough to complement the defense and set the stage for drafting a quarterback in 2025.
According to The 33rd Team’s latest mock draft, Georgia’s Carson Beck is projected as the Raiders’ future quarterback. Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team suggests that the Raiders might secure Beck with a seventh overall pick, predicting a lower-than-expected performance for the team this season, which could see them among the league’s bottom dwellers.
Valentino describes Beck as a reliable choice due to his accuracy and ability to handle pressure, though he may not possess the high upside of other prospects. Beck, a seasoned player from Georgia, threw for nearly 4,000 yards last year with 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions.
However, any chance of Beck joining the Raiders hinges on a disappointing season for the offense and possible underperformance by the defense. The current quarterback situation remains a major concern, with Coach Antonio Pierce yet to name a starter. Neither quarterback has distinguished themselves enough in training camp, and Pierce indicated that both will get substantial playing time in upcoming practices to determine their potential.