Raiders GM on Targeting QBs in NFL Draft: 'We Can Use Help a Little Bit Everywhere'

The Las Vegas Raiders have a pair of able quarterbacks on their roster already, but that isn't stopping general manager Tom Telesco from eyeing a quarterback in this week's NFL draft.

When asked if having Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew already in a quarterback competition would keep the Raiders from targeting a quarterback in the draft, Telesco said it wouldn't, per Pro Football Talk's Myles Simmons.

"Yeah, I don't think so," Telesco said. "[W]e're drafting for the future, too. Position-wise on this team, we can use help a little bit everywhere. So, I don't think any position is precluded from being drafted this year."

Las Vegas signed Minshew in March after a solid season with the Indianapolis Colts last year. In 13 starts in 2023, Minshew threw for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions, filling in for rookie Anthony Richardson after he suffered an early injury.

Minshew will compete with O'Connell, who started in the majority of Las Vegas' games last year. In 11 games, O'Connell threw for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

But the two could have another quarterback mixed into the competition if Las Vegas decides to go the quarterback route in the draft. The Raiders have the No. 13 pick in the draft, but could trade up to have a chance at landing one of the top quarterbacks. If they don't trade up, they could likely still get a solid option under center like Bo Nix, Spencer Rattler or Michael Penix Jr.

The Raiders are looking for a turnaround year after a second straight year missing the postseason in 2023. Led by a new GM in Telesco and a new head coach in Antonio Pierce, a turnaround could be coming.