An intriguing quarterback option in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft just became more likely for the Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders own the sixth pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Their top need is clearly the quarterback position, but many believe there is a significant drop-off after the top two in this class: Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. So, if those two are gone by the time the Raiders are […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Jan 27, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek at press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders own the sixth pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. 

Their top need is clearly the quarterback position, but many believe there is a significant drop-off after the top two in this class: Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. So, if those two are gone by the time the Raiders are on the clock, they will most likely need to divert from selecting a QB in the first round. 

Their recent decision to hire Chip Kelly as their new offensive coordinator could open up a new door that some weren't thinking about before, and it could be the perfect solution if that problem comes to fruition. 

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Could the Raiders look to draft Ohio State QB Will Howard to reunite him with new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly? 

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) signals to his offense during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Ohio State won 38-15.
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Will Howard just finished up a five-year college career and had his far and away best season after transferring from Kansas State to Ohio State ahead of the 2024 season. He set career highs with 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 73.0 completion %. All of which led the entire Big 10 conference. 

There will be plenty of questions on whether Howard will be a fit in most NFL offenses. But we know from throwing on his tape last year that he fits in Chip Kelly's offense like a glove. Howard is expected to hear his name between rounds two to four in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Raiders don't currently have an option at QB on their roster that generates any excitement for the fan base. So, if they have to wait until day two to take a QB in this class, Howard just might be their best option. And the most recent play we saw from Howard was his best yet, with him throwing for 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns, and only one interception. So he could even be an option to compete to be the Raider's day-one starter if they elect to go this route.