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By Ricardo Sandoval
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Las Vegas Raiders hold the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While that's where they currently stand, there are talks that the Raiders could trade up to select their future quarterback. In this loaded class, the 13th pick could still be significant, especially for teams that don't need a quarterback in this loaded QB draft.
Las Vegas falls on that list of teams needing a quarterback after a carousel of quarterbacks they went through after benching Derek Carr at the end of the 2022 season and eventually releasing him. While many aren't sure what the Raiders will do with their 13th pick, Raiders insider from The Athletic Vic Tafur says he's heard some whispers that Las Vegas is leaning towards a quarterback, specifically Washington southpaw Michael Penix Jr.
"The whispers are getting louder that the Raiders just might take Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. here," Tafur wrote. "Penix's stock has risen since he had clean medicals at the NFL Scouting Combine. He has the best deep ball in the draft but, in our book, is still a bit of a project mechanically to be taken this high. It's bad value."
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Tafur opined the Raiders should not go quarterback in this draft. However, it's clear they're thinking about it. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that the Silver and Black have had 'exploratory talks' to trade for a top-three pick.
"Will they do it?" Breer wrote. "I don't think the first three picks will wind up being traded, and, after you get past that, it depends on the team's evaluation of (J.J.) McCarthy (and maybe a couple others). And from there, it depends on whether it gets to the point where the former Michigan QB won't make it to No. 13 (which is certainly possible). We've still got a long way to go."
If the Raiders are looking to go inside the top three, then they are 100 percent in on a quarterback. Four of the top five picks will likely be quarterbacks, especially if the Los Angeles Chargers trade away their No. 5 pick. Still, there are plenty of talented and game-changing quarterbacks for Las Vegas if they stay put at 13.
Penix falls under that category. He has a big arm, can make effortless throws, and exhibits elite field generalship. The southpaw is coming off a year in which he was worthy of a Heisman vote. In 2023 with the Huskies, he collected 4,903 passing yards, 262 completions a 65.4% completion percentage, and 36 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.
Las Vegas is searching for their quarterback for the present and future. Will Penix be their guy?
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