The Oakland Raiders will draft a quarterback this year. Yes, the team brought on three new quarterbacks last year and traded for a new one this year, but they will make a move for another rookie. It is just a matter of what round they opt to take one in. The quarterback carousel continues to be the downfall of Oakland every season, but head coach Dennis Allen believes the team is starting to make way in the right direction.
Last season, the Raiders traded for Matt Flynn, drafted Tyler Wilson and signed rookie Matt McGloin. A year later and only one of those three quarterbacks is still on the roster. Mcgloin appeared to be the future starter with Terrelle Pryor as his backup, but Oakland opted to trade for Matt Schaub and name him the starting quarterback. With either Pryor or McGloin getting released or traded before the 2014 season begins, the Raiders will draft a quarterback.
The team first brought in Johnny Manziel, the long-shot option. Manziel will get drafted in possibly the first three picks, leaving the Raiders out unless they decide to trade up for him, something general manager Reggie McKenzie has said he is not keen on doing. If the Raiders are out of the running for Manziel, NFL Network's Albert Breer reports the team will not draft a quarterback until at least the third round.
Breer reports the Raiders are bringing in Zach Mettenberger for a visit and could be on the team's radar as a late-round pickup. Interest is high around Mettenberger. Despite coming off a season-ending ACL injury, the LSU quarterback is considered a sleep pick in this year's class. The year's draft class is deep in the quarterback position and Mettenberger is certainly benefiting from the hype. The Raiders might be targeting him early if they feel another team is ready to make a move. If Mettenberger is gone, AJ McCarron or Aaron Murray are the next best available options.
If Mettenberger is the team's quarterback of choice, who do the Raiders pick in the first round? Breer believes Oakland is a perfect match for a wide receiver with their top pick. The team will likely also miss out on Jadeveon Clowney who will go in the first two picks, leaving them with someone like Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans to fall in their lap. The Raiders need a wide receiver and missed out on all free agent options. With no big-named target on the roster, drafting Watkins or Evans is almost more important than getting another quarterback.
