Insider Links Raiders to Darkhorse Quarterback Prospect in 2025 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders are in a tough spot preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. While holding the No. 6 overall pick leaves the door wide open for Mark Davis and company to add a top-tier talent, the possible issue would be if they're locked in on drafting a quarterback.

Second-year signal-caller Aidan O'Connell had a solid final stretch to the season, but the Raiders remain linked to the top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft.

While Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Miami's Cam Ward are widely believed to be locked in as the two top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, the Raiders may see both off the board before their pick.

So, what's Plan B for the Silver and Black?

According to NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., there's reason to buy stock in Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.

During the latest episode of ESPN's First Draft podcast with Kiper and Field Yates, the longtime analyst views Dart as "one of the more underrated" quarterbacks. More importantly, he thinks Dart should be in the discussion at No. 6 for the Raiders, as A to Z Sports highlighted.

"The other quarterback I just want to throw into this discussion [at pick six to the Raiders]. We've thrown all these other guys out there. I think a guy who's going to be one of the more underrated guys - he had a heck of a bowl game - I'm going Jaxson Dart. Jaxson Dart," Kiper said.

Kiper continued to offer some insight into why he's so high on Dart's potential.

"I watched him. I went back and studied him this week. I've waited and waited. He's my QB3. He's solidly QB3. I'm looking at what he's lacking. He's a great athlete. He can run. He can beat you with his legs. He can make every throw," Kiper said.

"He makes "wow" throws, rolling left, rolling right. His accuracy, he was around 69% or 70% this year...Bottom line is, Jaxson Dart, I think he has the talent level, the mindset, everything, to be a heck of a quarterback.""

Dart, a senior for the Rebels, had an impressive 2024 season with numbers that were by far the best of his collegiate career. He posted career highs in completion percentage (69.3), passing yards (4,279) and touchdowns through the air (29).

After spending one season with the USC Trojans, Dart played the last three seasons with the Rebels and improved statistically year-over-year in all three categories listed above. The 6-foot-2 signal-caller also threw just six interceptions last year and tacked on 495 rushing yards with three scores. In 2023, Dart scored eight touchdowns on the ground and can keep defenses honest with his legs.

The Raiders could face a tough decision if they don't move up for either Sanders or Ward. They were in prime position to nab a top pick while sitting at 2-12 following a Week 15 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. However, they picked up two victories against the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints, which significantly impacted their draft position.

Dart's draft stock is also worth monitoring because there's certainly a possibility the Raiders could opt to try to trade back into the first round for a quarterback or even wait until round two. If they choose to target a signal-caller in the second round, it's possible names like Jalen Milroe, Dillon Gabriel, Kyle McCord and Will Howard could be in the mix.