Residents of Oakland (Calif.) will forever be salted in no longer having a franchise, but they are okay with seeing Las Vegas provide hope for the Raiders.
The team has been in “sin city” since 2020, having one playoff appearance in six years.
Pete Carroll, 74, was chosen as the individual to turn things around as head coach, and it will start in the NFL Draft. Las Vegas has several needs, including three on offense. Carroll is in desperate need of a marquee quarterback, a playmaking wide receiver, and an elite offensive tackle.
The Raiders have the No. 1 selection in the upcoming draft.
Many teams will be interested to trade them for it, especially with multiple teams in need for a quarterback. Carroll could acquire more draft capital in trading the pick; however, this is a moment where Las Vegas needs to hold the pick and make a decision to change its future in the AFC West. Kansas City has Patrick Mahomes, the Chargers have Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix will continue to grow with the Broncos. Several prospects are on the board at quarterback and some project as first-rounders.
Dante Moore (Oregon), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), Carson Beck (Miami), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Ty Simpson (Alabama), Drew Allar (Penn State), and LaNorris Sellars (South Carolina) are among the top prospects.
Carroll wants to turn the Raiders into a Super Bowl Champion like he did with Seattle in 2013. He selected a third-round quarterback in Russell Wilson and put together a ferocious, “Legion of Boom” defense that shut down the Denver Broncos.
Geno Smith, a 12-year veteran, has 16 touchdown passes to 14 interceptions this season with the Raiders.
A legitimate quarterback could be the difference between Las Vegas going next level or remaining mediocre.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @CoachingMSmith.