The Las Vegas Raiders are a disaster heading into Week 12. Head coach Pete Carroll is on the hot seat and QB Geno Smith has not worked out for the Raiders. Las Vegas will almost certainly add a new quarterback this offseason, but will he come from free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft?
ESPN's Matt Miller released a new 2026 mock draft on Wednesday. In his latest mock, Miller argued that the Raiders should draft a quarterback in the first round if one is available.
“Geno Smith has not worked out in Las Vegas, and a quarterback reboot is coming,” Miller wrote. “Perhaps the Raiders could be a destination for a veteran like Kyler Murray or Mac Jones should either be available, but Las Vegas is also a prime candidate to draft a quarterback should one be on the board.”
Miller has the Raiders selecting Alabama QB Ty Simpson with the fifth overall pick in his mock draft.
“Simpson has started only 10 games in college, but he's playing with impeccable poise and timing after developing for three seasons. The 6-foot-2, 208-pounder has thrown 22 touchdowns to just two picks this season. Simpson's inexperience will need to be vetted by scouts, but his instincts and processing are starter level.”
Simpson was the last quarterback selected in the first round. The Jets picked Indiana's Fernando Mendoza at first overall and the Browns picked Oregon's Dante Moore at second overall.
It will be interesting to see if any other quarterbacks enter the first-round conversation throughout the pre-draft process.
It is important to note that Miller's mock is based on the current NFL standings. That means a lot can change between now and April's draft. That includes Las Vegas' position drafting fifth overall.
Raiders fans may already be paying attention to their draft position during their remaining games this season. Their Week 12 matchup could directly impact their draft spot.
Next up for the Raiders is a Week 12 matchup against the QB-needy Browns.
