There was a lot of chatter that the Las Vegas Raiders were going to add a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even when the team traded for Geno Smith, many expected them to add a young quarterback to groom behind them.
The Raiders did draft a quarterback, but it wasn't until the sixth round. Former North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller could have a future as a backup, but it's unlikely he's the eventual replacement for Smith.
Next year might be the ideal time to start grooming a replacement. In Pro Football Network's mock draft for 2026, they see Texas quarterback Arch Manning falling in the draft and landing with the Raiders at No. 9.
arch manning
Texas QB Arch Manning.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
"Geno Smith gives the Las Vegas Raiders a huge upgrade at quarterback for the 2025 season, but he turns 35 in October and has a potential out after 2026," PFN wrote. "That’s the perfect opportunity to draft a quarterback early next year and have him sit for a year or two behind Smith.
"Arch Manning enters the 2025 season with just two college starts under his belt, and he still needs to improve his footwork and feel for backside pressure. But he’s a great athlete, sees the field well, and has a live arm with strong off-platform mechanics. He’s not QB1 yet — but he’s a clear top pick in this mock."
Many have already anointed Manning as the clear No. 1 player next year, but as PFN points out, he only has two starts. It's possible that he'll show enough this season to earn the No. 1 spot in the draft, but that's far from a guarantee.
As Shedeur Sanders learned this year, having a famous last name doesn't always lead to being an early draft pick.