The Las Vegas Raiders’ season may be a wash, but their future could be promising if they secure the right quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Currently holding the No. 7 pick, according to Tankathon, the Raiders might have a hard time landing one of the top QB prospects.
If their draft position remains, they may miss out on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward, both of whom are currently seen as top prospects. However, the team could still decide to use their first-round selection on a quarterback.
In a mock draft by Kyle Crabbs from The 33rd Team, he projects the Raiders to select LSU quarterback.
“The Raiders have been in need of a quarterback since parting ways with Derek Carr,” Crabbs noted. “Lacking a long-term solution has left their offense feeling directionless. Garrett Nussmeier from LSU has some of the most promising quarterbacking highlights of any eligible player this season — though you won’t see those in his recent game against Texas A&M.
“That rough game highlighted Nussmeier’s inexperience. But the Raiders can’t afford another miss at quarterback this offseason.”
Garrett Nussmeier Rising up Draft Boards
Heading into the season, Garrett Nussmeier wasn’t widely regarded as a top quarterback prospect. In fact, Pro Football Focus didn’t even list him among the top 10 quarterbacks to watch. It’s surprising that he now appears likely to be drafted ahead of Georgia’s Carson Beck.
While Nussmeier’s stats aren’t eye-catching — with 20 touchdown passes to nine interceptions this season — he’s known for his strong arm. Coming from a football background, with a father who played in the NFL and is now a coach, he’s been immersed in the game from a young age and is considered a smart player.
A major concern, however, is his limited experience, especially for a 22-year-old prospect. This is his first season as a starter. He’s eligible to declare for the draft, but he could choose to stay another year. Yet, with teams interested in his arm strength and football intelligence, if he’s projected as a first-round pick, it may be hard for him to pass up the opportunity.
Raiders Need Better Coaching to Take a Risk on Nussmeier
A quarterback like Shedeur Sanders might be especially appealing to the Raiders because he’s shown he can succeed even with questionable coaching and limited talent around him. With Las Vegas possibly facing another offensive coordinator change this offseason, choosing the wrong coach could risk any young quarterback’s development.
Nussmeier, however, is quite raw and will need significant coaching early in his career. Although he has the potential to be the best quarterback in his draft class, the Raiders may prefer someone less developmental. Alternatively, Las Vegas could overhaul the coaching staff and target an up-and-coming offensive mind like Ben Johnson or Bobby Slowik, who may be excited to work with a prospect like Nussmeier.
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