The 2-11 Las Vegas Raiders are projected to end the season in last place, which would give them the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Several teams are vying for the No. 1 pick as well, with the New York Giants also owning a 2-11 record.
Rumors suggest Las Vegas is in the mix to select one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, with many experts ranking Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward as the Top 2 prospects for that position. Additionally, a quarterback is considered a dire need for the Raiders.
With the franchise in a rebuild, Las Vegas is planning on using its resources to improve the roster. Earlier in the season, Raiders owner Mark Davis claimed co-owner Tom Brady would be "a huge benefit" in helping the team select a quarterback in future drafts.
Davis reiterated that statement when asked about the Raiders potentially selecting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. He admitted that Brady "will have something to say in that," according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic. Additionally, Davis did claim that general manager Tom Telesco does not have a "mandate" to select a quarterback in the upcoming draft.
After playing 22 seasons in the NFL and taking a year-long break after retirement, Brady took on an announcing role with Fox. Simultaneously, the 47-year-old former quarterback became a part owner of the Raiders. Brady owns a 5% share in the franchise.
It's unclear who the Raiders may be eying in the draft. However, the rumor mill has been red hot regarding the team potentially selecting Sanders. The Colorado Buffaloes star is deemed as a possible Top 3 pick, which is right where Las Vegas may select in the offseason.
Although Sanders is not a Heisman finalist for the 2024 college football season, the 22-year-old quarterback has had an outstanding year. Through 12 games played, Sanders recorded 3,926 passing yards, 39 total touchdowns, and eight interceptions while throwing an impressive 74.2% completion percentage.
The Raiders' next contest will be against the 6-7 Atlanta Falcons on "Monday Night Football." Las Vegas finishes the season with matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Chargers.
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This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 7:15 PM.