Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell has performed admirably when given the opportunity this season, so do you build around him next season? Or, if you’re general manager Tom Telesco, will you be fully committed to Shedeur Sanders come draft time?
Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell is auditioning for next season…
Whatever your opinion of O’Connell, one thing remains constant: his unwavering determination. He’s gone through multiple head coaches and offensive coordinators who have been wildly unsuccessful in Sin City. You can also include injuries in that list, but despite everything, he has led the Raiders to victories in the past. He most recently guided the Raiders to victory on Monday Night Football, despite what many have referred to as a disastrous season.
Some fans call these wins “meaningless.” Fair enough, folks. Even so, O’Connell is making a case for why he should be in contention for playing time next season. Yes, he struggled in camp—and let’s face it, there’s no way Gardner Minshew was going to start the year as a backup after such a hefty investment by Raiders general manager Tom Telesco.
Unfortunately, the Raiders are currently vying for a top-three selection in next year’s NFL draft. Raider Nation’s reaction to one name in the draft ranges from anger to adoration and everything in between. Sanders, for his part, only recently became aware of the significance of all this through his podcast.
O’Connell, for his part, isn’t worried about draft talk. Sporting a 63.2 completion percentage and tossing for 257 yards against the Atlanta Falcons the other day, AOC is letting people know he’s not going anywhere. In hindsight, O’Connell should’ve been the starter from Week 1. Nonetheless, there were surely factors beyond his control that played a part.
If the Raiders do win out, closing out their season with a few wins in a row, they’d likely be out of contention for Sanders. Barring a trade up, the Silver and Black would realistically have to draft another position player. Could they potentially select an offensive tackle to safeguard O’Connell? Either way, things will get intriguing as the season winds down next month.
