The Las Vegas Raiders chose not to pursue a top-tier quarterback during the 2023 offseason, and they also passed on drafting one in 2024. As a result, they have relied on journeyman Gardner Minshew and second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
By mid-November, the Raiders were 2-7, with their offense averaging a mere 18.7 points per game. Minshew, O’Connell, and third-stringer Desmond Ridder combined for nine touchdowns and ten interceptions.
The Raiders’ quarterback struggles are well-known, and one prominent outlet predicts that they will address these issues in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the fifth overall pick, The 33rd Team has the Raiders selecting Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
In their 2025 NFL Mock Draft, The 33rd Team projects the following top picks:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Hunter, WR/CB (Colorado)
2. New York Giants – Cam Ward, QB (Miami)
3. Tennessee Titans – Tetairoa McMillian, WR (Arizona)
4. Cleveland Browns – Will Johnson, CB (Michigan)
5. Las Vegas Raiders – Shedeur Sanders, QB (Colorado)
6. Miami Dolphins – Mason Graham, OL (Michigan)
7. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OL (LSU)
8. New Orleans Saints – Abdul Carter, LB (Penn State)
Sanders, a standout in the Big 12, currently leads in passing touchdowns (24), passer rating (163.1), and completion percentage (73%). He recently threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-24 victory over Utah. With the Raiders’ ongoing quarterback struggles following Derek Carr’s departure and Jimmy Garoppolo’s underperformance, they are in dire need of a change at the position. O’Connell, the fourth-round rookie, has only thrown two touchdowns this season, while Minshew has similarly struggled.
