Battle for Raiders QB2 behind Derek Carr is taking shape

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders gestures behind guard Alex Leatherwood #70 at the line of scrimmage during their game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 35-32 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders gestures behind guard Alex Leatherwood #70 at the line of scrimmage during their game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 35-32 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Chase Garbers #7 of the California Golden Bears enters the stadium during the 124th Big Game against the Stanford Cardinal. Raiders. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /

What does the Raiders’ undrafted rookie bring to the table?

Las Vegas picked up Chase Garbers as an undrafted free agent, the Newport Beach native has a legitimate chance to earn a spot with the team. Will he see any playing time in 2022? Extremely doubtful, though Raider Nation might catch a glimpse during the preseason.

The Cal quarterback threw for 50 career touchdowns in four years, maintaining a 62.4 career completion percentage. He was in the Pac-12’s top ten for several passing categories the last couple of seasons including touchdowns, passing yards, completions, and passing attempts.

Possessing decent height at six-foot-two, Garbers is the best-case scenario, a project for the Raiders. While he has respectable accuracy, Garbers struggled with ball placement in college, particularly deep downfield.

One trait that’ll benefit Garbers in the NFL is his willingness to tuck the ball and run it. He accumulated 1,174 yards on the ground, reaching the endzone a total of 11 times. There are definitely some things that the Raiders’ coaching staff can work with. Most notably, Garbers is athletic, and his throws do have zip on them.

He can get the ball to his receivers quickly but will need to develop more in the pocket.

In the NFL, you need to be patient and allow a play to develop. Garbers just doesn’t have that pocket presence at this time. It’ll be interesting to see how McDaniels and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree work to develop him.