Betting odds link Raiders with getting this QB in NFL Draft

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell sounds ready to compete with both a rookie and veteran Gardner Minshew for the team's starting job this coming summer. 

Some believe they know the identity of that first-year pro less than two weeks before the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

As shared by Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, the betting odds currently suggest that the Raiders will acquire Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at some point during the draft. 

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Raiders as the favorites at +260 odds to draft Penix. To compare, the Minnesota Vikings were second on the list at +350 odds at that same time.

While the Raiders currently hold overall pick No. 13, it was reported this week that team owner Mark Davis has "given his blessing for" general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce "to make a move, any move ... so long as it makes sense" regarding the draft. 

Most assume such a move would involve the Raiders trading up to either pick No. 3 or No. 4 to grab North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines or LSU Tigers signal-caller Jayden Daniels. 

Penix's draft stock continues to be a moving target, as coaches reportedly "are higher on" him than scouts. At least one analyst thinks Penix is truly "a third-round prospect," in part because of his concerning injury history. 

However, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted just last week that "quarterbacks tend to get overdrafted, especially with so many teams hoping to roll the dice and emerge with a top-five quarterback." 

It's possible the Raiders could get Penix at overall selection No. 44 unless a team such as the New York Giants makes a move for the signal-caller earlier in the draft's second round. 

Jordan Reid of ESPN said for a piece published Thursday that Raiders fans should "expect offensive line or cornerback at No. 13 overall." Las Vegas could address one of those positions and then trade back into the first round for Penix to get a fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract.