Raiders facing massive Shedeur Sanders-Jalen Milroe NFL Draft QB decision involving Geno Smith
The Las Vegas Raiders recently acquired quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, securing him as their starter for potentially the next three seasons. Despite this acquisition, there is considerable speculation that the Raiders might select a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft due to the availability of prospects Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe. Sanders, in particular, is seen as a strong candidate for the Raiders' second-round pick, providing an opportunity for him to learn under Smith without immediate pressure to start. The potential addition of either Sanders or Milroe would be strategic, as they could eventually pair with the team's recent high draft pick running back, Ashton Jeanty, to form a powerful offensive backfield. This decision reflects the Raiders' long-term planning to build a robust and competitive team for the future.
The Las Vegas Raiders have traded for Geno Smith, making him their starting quarterback with a contract that could span the next three years, demonstrating their short-term commitment to Smith as their offensive leader.
Despite Smith's acquisition, the Raiders are still considering drafting a quarterback due to the availability of promising prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe, who have not been selected in the first round.
Shedeur Sanders, a standout from Colorado, has caught the attention of NFL analysts, with predictions suggesting he might be the Raiders' choice in the second round, providing them with a high-potential quarterback for the future.
Both Sanders and Milroe present the Raiders with an opportunity to groom a young quarterback under the tutelage of veteran Smith, allowing them to develop without the immediate pressure of starting.
The Raiders' strategy includes potentially forming a dynamic offensive duo by pairing their new quarterback choice with running back Ashton Jeanty, their recent high draft pick, to enhance the team's offensive capabilities for the long term.
NFL.com's Lance Zeirlein has publicly speculated that Sanders is likely to be selected by the Raiders, reinforcing the notion that the team is seriously considering bolstering their quarterback options in the draft.
This draft decision is part of a broader trend where the Raiders are planning for future competitiveness, aligning with their goal to build a strong and sustainable team foundation.
The Las Vegas Raiders just picked up their quarterback of the present this offseason.
They traded for Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks and potentially have him under contract for the next three seasons to be their starter.
That hasn't stopped NFL Draft projectors from expecting Vegas to try and add a quarterback in the draft.
And given the first-round slide from Shedeur Sanders, the Raiders might have a perfect opportunity on their hands.
Both the Colorado star Sanders and Alabama's Jalen Milroe remain on the board.
Cleveland could look to take one of them at No. 33 overall, but then the Raiders are probably the next team that could consider QB.
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NFL.com's Lance Zeirlein thinks Sanders is headed to the Raiders.
I'm looking for Shedeur Sanders to the Raiders in round 2 tomorrow.
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 25, 2025
Sanders and Milroe both are intriguing in this particular context.
With Smith entrenched as the starter, they'd be able to learn from a veteran with no pressure to overtake him.
Of course, a talented rookie would hope to start eventually, but that would come with time.
In the meantime, Smith could show them the ropes.
And in the long term, No. 6 overall pick, RB Ashton Jeanty, could join with Sanders or Milroe in a star-studded franchise backfield for a decade to come.
There's definitely a case for the Raiders to go QB at No. 37.
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