It has been nearly two decades since the Raiders drafted a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft. LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell was selected with the No. 1 pick in 2007 by the Oakland Raiders and is largely considered to be one of the biggest busts in league history.
That swing-and-a-miss has held the team back from going all-in on another signal-caller that early, but PFF's Trevor Sikkema predicted in his latest mock draft that the team will finally break that trend with the No. 6 pick this year. Sikkema believes that Miami's Cam Ward will be the Raiders' choice and that they will not have to trade up to get him.
Miami QB Cam Ward
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Las Vegas had one of the worst quarterback rooms in the NFL last season but their saving grace is that the team is not committed to any player at the position long-term. This would allow them to take a quarterback in the draft and build a solid team around him in the coming years before a larger contract looms.
"The Raiders were left at the quarterback altar with no bride in last year’s stacked quarterback class," wrote Sikkema. "They should have at least one new quarterback on the roster before draft weekend to avoid forcing themselves into picking one here, but if Ward falls, I could still see them drafting him."
Ward was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024 after a stellar campaign at the University of Miami. He racked up 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns during his final collegiate season and threw only seven interceptions. He also added over 200 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Many feel that Ward is the best college quarterback in the class and could very easily be the No. 1 overall pick. However, if Ward falls to No. 6, no matter who else is available, selecting the former Hurricane should be a no-brainer for Las Vegas.
