One of the worst-kept secrets in the NFL right now is that the Las Vegas Raiders are interested in drafting a quarterback. While there are many good choices, former LSU standout Jayden Daniels is the most suitable candidate because of his connections to head coach Antonio Pierce.
Before transferring to LSU, Daniels was at Arizona State, and Pierce was his recruiter. San Francisco 49ers All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was also part of that Arizona State team and he acknowledged that the Raiders seem like a good choice for Daniels during a recent Instagram Live.
“That’s a good match though, I’m not lying,” Aiyuk replied to the suggestion that the Raiders were the ideal team for Daniels.
There have also been indications that Aiyuk, who has spoken highly of Pierce, may be interested in moving to Las Vegas. Daniels and Aiyuk on the Raiders would be impressive. However, the quarterback has been cautious as he’s not in a position to specify which teams he wants to play for, but he also holds Pierce in high regard. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Raiders were the team he aspired to play for. Unfortunately for Daniels and the Raiders, that’s not how the draft functions.
RGIII Believes Jayden Daniels Can Lead Las Vegas Raiders to Playoffs
Jayden Daniels recently won the Heisman Trophy and is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft class. The Raiders have a significant need for a quarterback and Aidan O’Connell is likely the only one returning from last season.
Las Vegas went 8-9 last season and has an improving defense, but had notable problems on offense. ESPN’s Robert Griffin III believes that Daniels is the missing piece for the Raiders if they aim to reach the playoffs.
“I believe Jayden Daniels should join the Las Vegas Raiders, and reunite with the coach who recruited him at Arizona State, Antonio Pierce,” Griffin stated on a recent episode of “Get Up.” “Jayden Daniels would immediately make the Raiders a playoff team this year if they acquire him.”
The Raiders have only made two playoff appearances since 2002, so if they agree with Griffin’s evaluation, they must do what is necessary to draft him.
Trading up for Jayden Daniels Won’t Be Simple
The Raiders do not pick until No. 13 and it’s difficult to envision a scenario where Jayden Daniels isn’t chosen within the top five picks. Moving up from No. 13 to No. 3 is a significant challenge and will be expensive. Nevertheless, it’s hard to put a price on a standout quarterback, particularly for a team that competes in the same division as Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
The one team the Raiders need to monitor closely is the New England Patriots. They might be the only team in the top three willing to consider a trade. They also need a quarterback, but they have multiple needs across the roster, so they might trade down to acquire more picks. Even reaching No. 3 wouldn’t guarantee that the Raiders would land Daniels, but it at least puts them in a position to secure one of the top three quarterbacks in the draft.
