The Raiders are expected to make a blockbuster trade for ‘Supernova’ franchise quarterback

December 12, 2023 Sports Gist NFL, Other Sports 0

The Raiders are expected to make a blockbuster trade for ‘Supernova’ franchise quarterback

Okay, so Aidan O’Connell may not be the answer at quarterback in Las Vegas after all. Not that such a decision would be taken after just one game, but if the Raiders finish 2023 with more O’Connell performances like the one we saw on Sunday against the Vikings, a 3-0 drubbing, something will need to be done about the Raiders quarterback problem. In their latest NFL mock draft, DraftKings has the Raiders making a big move: moving all the way up to No. 1, where they’re expected to select Caleb Williams.

Indeed, daring. The road from the No. 8 pick to the No. 1 pick is a lengthy one. The trade would undoubtedly be an old-school Raiders-style transaction of the Ted Hendricks or Daryle LaMonica variety that Al Davis previously made. In summarizing the possible shift, DK writer Nick Simon mentioned it.

“Between Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O’Connell, the Silver and Black clearly do not have a QB on the roster that can lead this franchise into the future,” he wrote in a blog post. “And, despite the fact that this is a QB-heavy draft, some of the top prospects may be gone by No. 8.” In this week’s mock draft, we’ll imagine Mark Davis channeling his father and dealing a draft haul to the Bears in order to select Williams with the first overall pick.”

How Much Would No. 1 Pick Cost the Raiders?

One of the main mysteries surrounding the Bears’ No. 1 pick in this year’s draft is how much they would ask a team like the Raiders for it. The pick is Carolina’s, but the Panthers traded their first-round pick to Chicago for last year’s No. 1 pick, which was used to select quarterback Bryce Young. However, Young has had no impact on the Panthers’ standings, putting the Bears in position to retain the top choice.

With quarterback Justin Fields playing better here late in the season, there is some notion that he could stick around in Chicago, after a season of rumors that seemed to have Fields being traded away from the Bears, with the top pick being used on Caleb Williams in most NFL mock drafts

The Bears received the Panthers’ first-round pick in 2023, a second-round pick in 2023, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025, and star receiver D.J. Moore in exchange for the No. 1 overall pick. But the Raiders are not going to give up a haul like that, and it is unlikely that anyone else would, given what Carolina (1-13) has done since selecting Young.

Caleb Williams: Still No. 1 in NFL Mock Draft?

Still, this is a strong draft for quarterbacks, and while the Raiders could land a solid prospect at No. 8, Caleb Williams is the pick of the litter in most NFL mock drafts. If you are going to start over with a rookie quarterback, why not get the best one available?

And though there is a case to be made for Raiders to look at other quarterbacks in the upcoming draft—Drake Maye of North Carolina, Jayden Daniels of LSU—Caleb Williams is still the most electric player on the board in the short and long terms, getting comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. The Raiders need that level of player.

Williams has thrown for 8,170 yards with 71 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in two seasons at USC. A run of five losses in six games to end the season may have impacted his status, but that will most likely alter once the NFL Combine arrives.

“Along the way, he’s earned Patrick Mahomes comparisons, thanks in part to his ability to make Houdini-like escapes from the pocket and produce astounding, off-platform throws to open receivers downfield,” The Ringer reported of Williams. Caleb Williams is somehow living up to the supernova hype this year.”

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