Six Quarterbacks Selected in First 12 Picks of the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft has been a remarkable one for quarterback selections, with six of them being chosen within the first 12 picks. While this positions many franchises with promising signals for the future, the Las Vegas Raiders found themselves slightly out of this frenzy, holding the 13th overall pick.
Raiders' Coaching Shift
Antonio Pierce, who stepped in as interim head coach midway through the 2023 season following the dismissal of Josh McDaniels, has now solidified his role as the Raiders' head coach. Pierce, a former NFL linebacker, has had a scrutinizing eye on the Raiders' quarterback situation, especially after their latest preseason performances.
Fresh Faces and Notable Contracts
The Raiders made a significant move by signing Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract, with $15 million guaranteed. Minshew, expected to bring experience and solid performance to the team, recently had an opportunity to showcase his skills in a home game against the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, his performance fell short of expectations, completing just 10 of 21 passes for 95 yards.
Meanwhile, Aidan O'Connell, a fourth-round pick from the 2023 draft, demonstrated potential but also inconsistencies. O'Connell completed a noteworthy 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harrison Bryant but also threw a significant 69-yard interception return for a touchdown by Dallas defensive back Kemon Hall. His performance was a mixed bag, further complicating the Raiders' decisions at the quarterback position.
Evaluating the Performances
Commenting on the quarterbacks' performance, Pierce stated, "I mean, everything. You can't take the good and not take the bad. Wish it went well for both gentlemen. It just didn't. We'll look at it, and we'll evaluate. They both had opportunities. Aidan had 20 attempts, and Minshew had 21, so about as balanced as we can get it. We'll look at it." These remarks underscore the thorough assessment process that lies ahead for the Raiders.
The Raiders fell 27-12 in their matchup against the Cowboys, putting their quarterbacks under a microscope. Pierce, however, remains focused on the long-term strategy, looking at the entirety of the preseason to make an informed decision. "I'm going all the way back to OTAs, minicamp, training camp, two preseason games. There's going to be a lot of factors obviously right? Command of the offense, the operational part. Efficiency. The turnovers are huge. That shows up. Taking care of the football is going to be important for our team," said Pierce.
Future Steps and Decisions
With one more preseason game ahead, Pierce has already made a decisive call regarding his starters. "Yeah, we've seen enough reps. Two games, like we talked about. Our guys are not playing in the third preseason game, our starters, so we'll sleep on it and make a decision in the next couple days," he mentioned.
This move suggests a considerable amount of confidence in the evaluations done thus far. It also provides an indication that the coaching staff is looking to move forward with clarity and precision, ensuring that the regular-season lineup is well-rested and ready for the challenges ahead.
Seeking a Clear Leader
With Minshew's experience highlighted by his substantial contract and O'Connell's youth showing both promise and pitfalls, the Raiders have a crucial decision to make. Pierce summed up the sentiment within the organization, expressing a desire for one of the quarterbacks to distinguish themselves: "Everybody wants to see a player just take it and say, 'I'm your guy,' like I've been saying from Day 1. Obviously [that's] probably not the case."
The Raiders' management, fans, and players alike will be eagerly anticipating the coaching staff's verdict on the starting quarterback. Despite the ups and downs of the preseason, the hope remains that whoever takes the helm will steer the team toward a successful 2024 NFL season.