Las Vegas Raiders: Is Will Levis really a better prospect than Anthony Richardson?
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders could be in the market for a quarterback this draft season, but who is the true No. 3 guy behind CJ Stroud and Bryce Young.
When it comes to the 2023 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders have plenty of draft capital, which is a good thing, considering they have plenty of holes to fill. This offseason, the team moved on from Derek Carr, their nine-year starter at the quarterback spot, leading some to believe they could go with a signal-caller in round one.
Holding the No. 7 overall pick, Las Vegas is likely not in the market for CJ Stroud or Bryce Young, two players considered 1A and 1B at the quarterback spot in this draft class. Both Stroud and Young are likely to be gone within the first three picks, especially if some quarterback-needy teams decide to trade up for their services.
That leaves the next two quarterbacks as targets for the Raiders if they decide to go that route this April, and pick one in the first round. Sitting at No. 7 overall, Las Vegas would be in the market for either Will Levis or Anthony Richardson, but which is the actual better prospect right now?
Most draft boards have Levis as No. 3 but based on his ceiling, and ability, Richardson is someone who is getting a lot of draft buzz right now as well. In fact, he may be the best play for the Silver and Black, as teams could reach on Levis, and Richardson could fall into their lap, even if they decide to trade down in round one.
Raiders could drop back and get AR15 in the first round
According to Mel Kiper from ESPN, AR15 is not getting out of the top-15 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, which means he will be in play for Las Vegas at No. 7. However, as the draft moves around on Day 1, Las Vegas could actually trade down with a few teams, and stack some draft capital, while getting Richardson later on.
People are going to fall in love with Levis during the draft process, and rightfully so, as he has everything you look for in a starting quarterback in the NFL. However, so does Richardson, and he could end up being the better player at the next level when all is said and done.