Everyone is all too aware that the Las Vegas Raiders are addressing the quarterback position in 2025.
While many presumed the Raiders would entertain the idea of a free agent stopgap and a developmental quarterback in Day 2, new information changes everything. The Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, who hold the top two selections in the draft, are focusing more on the likes of Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter and Penn Stat edge rusher Abdul Carter. That opens the door for a quarterback prospect like Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders to fall to the Raiders at the sixth overall pick.
Sanders, in particular, has been linked to the Raiders more than any other prospect and, while he does comes with his flaws, getting him at six without having to trade up is a massive get for the organization.
However, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. suggested that another AFC team is not too keen on allowing that to happen.
Kiper believes the New York Jets would trade up in front of the Raiders to draft Sanders.
The Jets sit right behind the Raiders in the draft order with pick number seven, but Kiper thinks their quarterback desperation would point them in the direction of trading up for Sanders.
“You are in a division with Josh [Allen], Drake Maye and Tua [Tagovailoa] in an AFC loaded with great quarterbacks,” Kiper said on Field Yates’ “First Draft” podcast. “You are fourth [in the AFC East], again that’s the problem, you are fourth by miles. You don’t have a quarterback! Miles, miles and miles. You’re across the other side of the country. You are so far away from what the reality is at quarterback, where you need to be. So you gotta get a quarterback.”
Well that would spice things up…@MelKiperESPN openly talked to @FieldYates about the possibility of the #Jets leapfrogging the #Raiders in a draft day trade with the #Jaguars at pick No. 5 overall to swipe Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders if he is still on the board. ????
‘You are… pic.twitter.com/8JNNndcPuk
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) February 15, 2025
With Aaron Rodgers confirmed to cut ties with the team, the Jets are left without a clear solution at quarterback. By jumping in front of the Jacksonville Jaguars for the fifth overall pick, the Jets steal Sanders while also forcing the Raiders to pivot in terms of draft strategy. Concerns exist whether Sanders would consider playing for the Jets, it is more likely the team prefers fate in their hands.
Just as the Raiders could enjoy the possibility of a potential franchise quarterback falling to them in the draft, Kiper’s idea has put a damper on the enthusiasm.
Analyst makes questionable pitch to bring dynamic duo to Raiders
