One of the challenges the Raiders face this offseason when looking for their next franchise quarterback is how much to value upside. Without a franchise quarterback on the roster, they need someone who can come in right now and play.
However, the Raiders also know that they have to deal with both Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in the division for the next several seasons. That means they can’t afford to have a middling quarterback as they will never be able to compete in the division.
That could lead the Raiders to swing for the fences in the NFL Draft. But what upside quarterback makes the most sense for Las Vegas?
In a recent article by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, he wrote about the best landing spots for Florida QB Anthony Richardson. The Raiders were named a ‘logical’ fit given that Josh McDaniels is good at developing quarterbacks.
Here is what Zierlein had to say about the possible fit between Richardson and the Raiders:
“After jettisoning longtime starter Derek Carr, the Raiders are in desperate need of a starting quarterback — and they happen to have a trio of talented pass catchers (Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller) awaiting whoever assumes the role.
Richardson is raw and will need time to work out the kinks, but Josh McDaniels is a quarterback-friendly head coach, and the Raiders won’t have as much pressure on them to win now if they decide to allow the youngster to grow into the position through immediate on-field experience.”
There is no quarterback in this class with more upside than Richardson. That isn’t even debatable. But of the potential first-round quarterback prospects, he is the furthest away from being ready to start an NFL game.
Are the Raiders willing to use the No. 7 pick (or higher) to select Richardson and have him sit for a year? If the answer is yes, then this could work out as Richardson has Josh Allen or Cam Newton’s potential in the NFL. Expect the Raiders to show a ton of interest in Richardson during the NFL Combine this weekend in Indianapolis.