Raiders $98,679.9 QB Traded On A Single First-Round Interest In 2024…
After making the decision to move on from Jimmy Garoppolo, the Las Vegas Raiders prioritized finding a veteran replacement in free agency. GM Tom Telesco decided to sign Gardner Minshew III to a two-year, $25 million contract to compete with Aidan O’Connell for the starting quarterback job in 2024.
Yet, there’s still a strong sense the Raiders aren’t done adding to their quarterback room. While Anthony Brown Jr. remains as the third quarterback, the team may want to add someone with more upside, such as a draft prospect who can develop into a future starter, even if it’s not immediate.
Justin Fields had Las Vegas Raiders trade on his radar
However, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, the Raiders may have had a chance to add a young QB via trade earlier this offseason.
Fields, 25, was the 11th overall pick in 2021. While he hasn’t quite developed his passing skills enough, some have questioned whether the Chicago Bears are more to blame for not surrounding him with more talent along the offensive line and in the receiving corps.
At the low rate he was traded for (conditional 6th-round pick that can improve to a 4th-round pick if he plays 51% of 2024 snaps), the Raiders may have been better off taking a chance on Fields for the upcoming season than where they are right now. Then again, if Fields didn’t develop any further in Vegas, he’d just become a free agent next offseason, leaving the Raiders without a better option on the roster.
By signing Minshew, it seemingly keeps the Raiders’ options open with the 13th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Yet, they still could have considered other first-round quarterbacks even with Fields on the roster, setting up a competition between two highly-touted prospects plus O’Connell.
Ultimately the Raiders decided to inject a veteran into their young quarterback room instead of adding another unproven option in Fields. It’s not a bad decision, but if the Raiders strike out on adding a QB in the upcoming draft class, they could look back on this situation with regret.
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Three best fits for Dolphins in first round of 2024 NFL Draft
The Miami Dolphins hold the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is set to begin on April 25.
Late-season injuries and a number of notable offseason subtractions have left Miami with several holes around the roster that need to be filled in the draft. However, considering that the Dolphins only own six 2024 selections, they could opt to trade the 21st pick to acquire additional draft capital.
Even so, since they own a first-round pick for the time being, here are three prospects who would be the best fit for the Dolphins at No. 21 overall.
The interior of Miami’s offensive line took a hit during free agency, with the departure of guard Robert Hunt, who signed a massive five-year, $100M deal with Carolina. Although Miami could replace Hunt by re-signing its former starting center Connor Williams now that it acquired Aaron Brewer this offseason, drafting a guard in the first round could be in the team’s best interest.
Fautanu, last season’s Morris Trophy recipient, played all but one snap at left tackle for the Huskies in 2023, but it can be argued that he’s the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN believes that with his 6-foot-4, 317-pound frame, Fautanu will be a Pro Bowl-caliber guard in the NFL.
Across his four seasons at Washington, Fautanu only surrendered three sacks and 36 total pressures. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa was able to stay healthy last season, though in light of his extensive injury history, spending a first-round pick on more protection for him would be a wise investment.
Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Despite signing former Commanders CB Kendall Fuller in free agency to replace four-time Pro Bowler Xavien Howard, Miami would benefit from adding depth at the position.
2023 second-rounder Cam Smith only played 20 defensive snaps as a rookie, and it’s unclear whether the young cornerback will ever be a reliable contributor. Additionally, given Fuller’s past success in the slot, bringing in another boundary cornerback like McKinstry to play opposite Jalen Ramsey could be an effective way to address the situation.
Opposing quarterbacks rarely tested the first-team All-American in coverage last season. As a result, McKinstry only allowed 16 of the 36 targets that came his way to be completed, in addition to collecting 32 tackles, two for loss and seven pass breakups.
While some wondered if McKinstry could fall to the second round after he didn’t participate in the NFL Scouting Combine due to a Jones fracture in his foot, he solidified himself as a first-rounder at Alabama’s Pro Day. At the event, McKinstry clocked a 4.47-second 40-yard dash.
Defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
Like the offensive line, Miami’s D-line lost several significant members in free agency. Former Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins’ breakout 2023 season earned him a four-year, $110M contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, and Raekwon Davis inked a two-year, $14M deal to join the Indianapolis Colts.
There’s a pressing need to find someone who can step in and make an immediate impact, and the productive Newton may be able to help. During the 2023 regular season, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year led all interior defenders in pressures (44), and his 7.5 sacks ranked third nationally among defensive tackles.
In total, Newton finished his collegiate career with 188 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks. Considering the amount of pressure Newton can generate from the interior, he’d be an ideal replacement for Wilkins.