The Oakland Raiders have gone through some drastic changes since Jon Gruden returned to the struggling franchise to not only take over as head coach but also play a significant role in the team's decisions for the foreseeable future.
Along with trading away two of the team's best players last season in Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, the fate of longtime quarterback Derek Carr has been up in the air. Many have speculated that the team could spend their fourth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft on a quarterback like Kyler Murray or Dwayne Haskins, but now that might not be the case, according to Michael Gehlken on Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Behind the scenes, the option has appeared remote at best. Today, the outcome would be considered a shocking pivot if it develops.
It’s not just the Raiders’ words that point to Carr as their quarterback in 2019. It’s their actions.
Obviously, anything can happen when draft day rolls around on April 25. The speculation and rumors change from day to day in the NFL as the draft draws near and this season will be no different. However, the Raiders brass may have started focus on addressing the position they tried to upgrade since trading away Mack to the Chicago Bears last year.
At this point, the Raiders have hosted the majority of top-tier players that have declared for the draft with Gruden and company have four picks in the first 35 selections.
It'll be interesting to see if the Raiders go after a pass rusher early in the draft and then go after a quarterback later in the draft. Although there isn't a lot of talent at the position this year in comparison to last or even potentially next year, Gruden and new general manager Mike Mayock may not be able to resist the urge to bring in a young player to develop and play behind Carr.
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