Throughout a Sunday look on “SportsCenter,” ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that 2023 fourth-round draft decide Aidan O’Connell “in all probability has the slight edge” over journeyman Gardner Minshew relating to the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback competitors that is anticipated to renew throughout coaching camp subsequent month.
“O’Connell and Minshew within the spring went tit for tat; went after it. O’Connell in all probability has the slight edge proper now primarily based on coming into 12 months two, being extra vocal,” Fowler defined, in response to Mike Moraitis of Sporting Information. “I am advised he is appearing like a beginning quarterback and (All-Professional vast receiver) Davante Adams loves him, which at all times helps actually with the brownie factors.”
Fowler’s replace is not all that stunning, as Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce stated final month that O’Connell had “earned the fitting to go on the market and earn the primary snap” for organized staff actions. Whereas O’Connell seemingly did nothing by way of obligatory minicamp to lose his spot atop the depth chart, it should not be forgotten that the Raiders reportedly explored shifting up within the draft order with LSU Tigers signal-caller Jayden Daniels in thoughts.
The Washington Commanders stayed at alternative No. 2 to take Daniels.
“However Minshew has are available, proven some moxie. He is already obtained the offense, he is altering performs on the line of scrimmage, I am advised,” Fowler continued throughout his feedback. “He is been good on the off-script stuff.”
Throughout 10 begins (11 appearances) with the Raiders final season, O’Connell notched a 5-5 report. In complete, he accomplished 62.1% of 343 go makes an attempt for two,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
To match, Minshew went 7-6 with the Indianapolis Colts this previous marketing campaign. In 17 complete appearances, the 28-year-old related on 62.2% of 490 passes for 3,305 yards with 15 touchdowns and 9 picks.
“It will be not stunning in any respect if each quarterbacks obtained a begin in a preseason sport,” Fowler added, in response to Doric Sam of Bleacher Report. “Perhaps they go O’Connell first sport, Minshew the second sport, relying on how the primary couple weeks of camp go. And so they’ll get a professional likelihood, however we’ve got ourselves an actual battle in Las Vegas.”
The Raiders open the preseason on the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 10, and Las Vegas then hosts the Dallas Cowboys for an exhibition contest on Aug. 17. It seems like Pierce and firm will not make any ultimate resolution concerning the Raiders’ quarterback state of affairs earlier than the Cowboys sport concludes.
