Raiders Projected to Draft 53-Touchdown QB as Geno Smith’s Successor
The Las Vegas Raiders have been busy this offseason following yet another underwhelming campaign in 2024. Among the team’s most significant moves was acquiring veteran quarterback Geno Smith in a trade, reuniting him with former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.
The Raiders quickly expressed confidence in Smith by extending his contract for two additional years. This new deal keeps him in Las Vegas through the 2027 season, though it includes a potential opt-out after the 2026 season. While Smith has had a respectable NFL career, he will turn 35 during the 2025 season, making it clear that he isn’t the long-term answer at quarterback.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, Lou Scataglia of NFL Spin Zone has predicted that the Raiders will look for their future franchise quarterback. In his latest mock draft, he has Las Vegas selecting Penn State’s Drew Allar with the No. 7 overall pick.
Scataglia elaborated on the possible selection of Allar, saying:
“Could we actually see six quarterbacks drafted within the top seven picks in 2026? It’s becoming increasingly likely as teams grow more desperate to solve their quarterback issues. Geno Smith isn’t deceiving anyone—he’s a temporary bridge. If Drew Allar is available when the Raiders are on the clock, it’s difficult to imagine them passing on him.”
If this scenario unfolds, it suggests that the 2026 NFL Draft could be dominated by quarterback selections at the top of the board. The Raiders would likely have to compete with other QB-needy teams for one of the premier prospects.
In addition to Allar, other top quarterback prospects expected to headline the 2026 class include Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, LaNorris Sellers, and Cade Klubnik. The depth of this QB class may prompt the Raiders to strongly consider moving on from Smith and targeting a younger signal-caller to develop.
Drew Allar is particularly compelling. Had he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, he might have already been a first-round pick. Instead, he opted to return for another season at Penn State, aiming to elevate both his skills and draft stock further.
Allar had a productive 2024 season, throwing for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He completed 66.5% of his passes and played a pivotal role in leading the Nittany Lions to a College Football Playoff appearance. With another strong season in 2025, his draft value could rise even higher, cementing his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
The Raiders’ interest in drafting a quarterback will ultimately depend on how the 2025 NFL season unfolds. If the team ends up with another top-10 pick, it could be a reflection of struggles on offense, potentially tied to Smith’s performance. Such a scenario would likely push the front office to look toward the future and select a quarterback to build around.
While Smith brings veteran leadership and familiarity with Carroll’s system, his age and contract structure suggest he is a short-term solution. Drafting a young quarterback like Allar would provide the franchise with a potential long-term answer and allow the rookie to learn behind an experienced starter before taking over the reins.
In summary, the Raiders are preparing for life beyond Geno Smith, and the 2026 draft presents a prime opportunity to secure a promising young quarterback. If Drew Allar is available when they make their pick, the franchise might not hesitate to select him as their quarterback of the future.