Raiders Have 99 Problems and QB1 is 1 | Will Beck, Ewers or Sanders be Next Vegas Quarterback?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Gardner Minshew Named QB1 for Raiders’ Season Opener
The Las Vegas Raiders made headlines recently by naming Gardner Minshew as their starting quarterback (QB1) for their season opener on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. While this decision might have surprised some, it speaks to the current state of the Raiders’ quarterback situation.
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A Disappointing QB Battle
Throughout the preseason, a quarterback battle between Minshew and Aidan O’Connell unfolded. However, this competition didn’t exactly inspire much confidence in Raiders’ head coach, Antonio Pierce. Reports suggest that Pierce wasn’t particularly impressed by either Minshew or O’Connell, leaving many to question the future of the position in Las Vegas.
The decision to go with Minshew as the starter could signal that the Raiders’ long-term quarterback solution is currently playing college football. As Week 0 of the college football season approaches, it’s a good time for Raiders fans and bettors alike to start getting familiar with some of the top quarterback prospects.
Top Prospects to Watch
Two names that are already generating buzz as potential early picks in the 2024 NFL Draft are Georgia’s Carson Beck and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Both quarterbacks are expected to come off the board early, and the Raiders could be in the market for one of them depending on how this season unfolds.
Another name to watch is Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. Ewers has managed to hold off highly-touted prospect Arch Manning for two consecutive years, solidifying his status as a top-tier talent. He’s currently listed at 14-to-1 odds to be the first overall pick, making him an intriguing prospect for Raiders fans to keep an eye on.
Will the Raiders Take Their Shot in 2024?
The decision to start Gardner Minshew might be a temporary fix for the Raiders, but it’s clear that the future of the quarterback position in Las Vegas is far from settled. As the season progresses, the performance of Minshew and the state of the Raiders’ roster will likely determine whether the team looks to the 2024 NFL Draft for a more permanent solution at quarterback.
Only time will tell if the Raiders will make a move for one of the top college quarterbacks next year, but one thing is certain—this season will be crucial in shaping the team’s future direction. Raiders fans and sports bettors should keep a close eye on the college football landscape as the potential future face of the franchise might be taking snaps on Saturdays right now.