The hopes of the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders fanbases for a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bears to secure the No. 1 overall pick have been dashed. Instead, both teams may have to focus on alternative strategies to address their uncertain quarterback situations, potentially looking beyond the first round of the draft.
Sitting at No. 12 overall, the Broncos face a challenging decision. While they could target a quarterback to compete with Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci, the top prospects in the class may already be claimed by teams like the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and possibly the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings.
This could leave Denver with the fifth-best quarterback option at best, prompting them to consider other positions for better value. Bleacher Report scout Derrik Klassen suggests that players like Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr., projected as third-round picks, could serve as high-level backups or potential starters.
Likewise, the Raiders must navigate their quarterback situation with caution. Despite Aidan O’Connell’s promising finish to the 2023 season and Gardner Minshew’s experience, the outlook for 2024 remains uncertain. O’Connell’s lack of mobility and the potential turnover on the offensive line could limit their success.
While Minshew showed flashes of competence, his recent performance doesn’t scream franchise quarterback. The Raiders’ decision to sign Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract suggests they view him more as a bridge quarterback than a long-term solution.
Without a move into the top 10, the Raiders may opt to address other positions of need in the first round, such as the offensive line or cornerback. This could lead to a training camp competition between Minshew, O’Connell, and a rookie quarterback drafted on Day 2.
While a Day 2 rookie quarterback could potentially seize the starting job, as Derek Carr did for the Raiders in 2014, such occurrences are rare in the NFL.
As the 2024 NFL draft approaches, uncertainty looms for both the Broncos and Raiders as they seek solutions to their quarterback dilemmas.
