With a new head coach and general manager secured, the Las Vegas Raiders now turn their focus to solving one of their most pressing questions: who will be their starting quarterback? While pursuing a seasoned veteran like Russell Wilson, who spent a decade under Pete Carroll in Seattle, is an option, the team must also consider a long-term solution.
For the Raiders, this year’s draft could present the ideal opportunity to secure a future franchise quarterback. Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports has projected an ambitious scenario where the Raiders trade with the Tennessee Titans to claim the No. 1 overall pick, targeting Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of the Raiders — and new minority owner Tom Brady — making an aggressive push to draft Shedeur Sanders,” Trapasso wrote in a January 24 mock draft. “There’s a chance Sanders’ connection with Brady will make it too dicey for Las Vegas to simply hope and wait for him to fall to No. 6 overall.”
The Shedeur Sanders Debate: A Polarizing Prospect
While Sanders has emerged as a top prospect, his evaluation has sparked debate among experts. Competing for the No. 1 spot alongside Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Sanders faces a quarterback class that lacks the depth and star power of previous years.
Former NFL scout and draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah highlighted the mixed reviews on Sanders. Speaking on the January 23 episode of the Pat McAfee Show, Jeremiah described Sanders as both impressive and polarizing.
“He’s got a pure throwing motion and incredible accuracy,” Jeremiah noted. “He’s also tough as nails, taking a pounding during his time at Colorado. But critics point to his lack of elite size, arm strength, and athleticism. He’s solid across the board, but nothing about him screams ‘generational talent.’”
Jeremiah believes that Sanders could thrive in the right system, where he’s well-protected and allowed to act as a game-managing “point guard.”
Is the No. 1 Pick Too High for Sanders?
Despite Sanders’ strengths, questions linger about whether he warrants trading up for the top pick. If the Raiders were already sitting at No. 1, the decision might be easier to justify. However, trading assets to move up could prove costly—especially for a player with notable limitations.
Unless Sanders falls to the Raiders at their current No. 6 pick, pursuing him aggressively might carry too much risk. While the Colorado star has shown immense potential, he may not be the clear-cut savior that justifies a blockbuster trade.
