The Giants had been among the many groups enjoying within the early window for the ultimate day of the common season. Solely New York may have overtaken Vegas for the highest spot within the order, however that may have required a win towards Dallas. Nonetheless, the Giants beat the Cowboys 34-17. That end result clinched the No. 1 choose for the Raiders.
Right this moment’s growth represents the anticipated end result on this case. The Raiders lost to the Giants in Week 17, the competition which was broadly recognized to have large implications for the draft order. Each groups drew criticism for his or her roster dealing with within the build-up to that contest, notably the Raiders. Tight finish Brock Bowers was moved to injured reserve whereas edge rusher Maxx Crosby was shut down for the rest of the season towards his needs.
Head coach Pete Carrol additionally objected to the concept of sidelining Crosby, who’s slated to bear meniscus surgical procedure. The five-time Professional Bowler has already spoken out in regards to the choice to close him down, one thing which has fueled a brand new spherical of trade speculation. Managing the Crosby state of affairs can be important for the Raiders, a crew which may bear plenty of notable adjustments quickly.
The 2025 offseason noticed quite a few arrivals in any respect ranges of the group. That included a brand new teaching workers led by Carroll, though his tenure has not gone as deliberate. A widespread expectation exists Carroll will show to be a one-and-done staffer. New offensive and particular groups coordinators can even be required throughout the hiring cycle. Within the meantime, consideration within the entrance workplace will flip to the opportunity of choosing a brand new quarterback.
Who can be Las Vegas Raiders’ QB subsequent season?
Geno Smith was acquired by way of commerce in a Carroll reunion, and he’s beneath contract by means of 2027. The veteran has fallen properly in need of expectations this season, nonetheless, and the crew may hunt down a substitute by way of the draft. Smith might be retained as a bridge starter, however the acquisition of a future franchise signal-caller can be seen as a pivotal transfer for a Raiders crew desperately in want of stability on a number of fronts.
Fernando Mendoza is seen by many as the highest quarterback within the 2026 class, one which on the whole isn’t held in excessive regard. The Heisman winner is about to steer Indiana within the CFP semifinal towards Oregon. Meaning a matchup towards Dante Moore — whose intentions concerning the NFL draft are nonetheless not recognized — is upcoming. Vegas’ analysis of each passers can be a serious storyline over the approaching months, presuming each wind up turning professional.
The remainder of the draft order can be finalized because the remaining video games across the league play out. Shuffling within the high 5 may show to be impactful given the dearth of high-end QB prospects relative to the demand amongst many groups. In any occasion, the Raiders — who after all will look to keep away from a repeat of the JaMarcus Russell state of affairs from the final time they chose first total — discover themselves in place to kick off this 12 months’s draft.
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