Silver Minings: Raiders betting favorite to draft Michael Penix Jr.

Could the Washington quarterback be headed to Las Vegas?

A lot of speculation is going on about who the Las Vegas Raiders will take in the 2024 NFL Draft and who the Raiders’ next quarterback will be, but a lot of signs are pointing toward the University of Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. will be heading to Las Vegas soon.

With four quarterbacks expected to go within the first five to six selections, Penix has been a popular pick for the Silver and Black in mock drafts. Adding more fuel to the fire, our friends at DraftKings Sportsbook recently updated their odds on which team will select the former Husky, and the Raiders are now the favorite at a +260 bet. Previously, the Minnesota Vikings had the best odds but the Vikings are now at +350.

What it’s interesting though is Penix’s odds of being a first-round selection are almost even an even bet at +105 but the favorites for what position the Raiders will draft first are offensive line and cornerback at +150. So, DraftKings must think Las Vegas is going to address another need at 13 and then trade back into the first round to get the quarterback.

This also speaks to the volatility of Penix’s draft stock right now as it seems to change by the day where Las Vegas could get him in the second round or might have to trade up to ensure he stays out of Denver.

In Other Raiders’ Links:

• 11 NFL Draft QBs, ranked by where they should be selected: “Despite receiving one seventh-place vote, Penix averaged out as our fifth-best QB,” SB Nation’s Jacob Infante wrote. “One has to wonder if he would rank higher if he didn’t have four season-ending injuries to his name.”
• Is Max Metlon a fit?: the Rutgers corner could be a good mid-round target for the Silver and Black.
• Interior offensive line prospects that suit ill intent mantra: “A stout 6-foot-3, 322-pound prospect, Beebe is a very powerful offensive lineman who displays the footwork that makes him a fit for a gap or zone blocking scheme,” S&BP’s Ray Aspuria said. “He can anchor with his strength and once he latches on, he keeps defenders at bay.”
• Raiders trade up for J.J. McCarthy in mock draft: “Being stuck in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert means the Las Vegas Raiders and Broncos might have to get creative to find their solutions at the position,” the 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino wrote. “Las Vegas doesn’t have to act completely desperate because it has Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell on the roster, but being within range of a move for J.J. McCarthy makes them trading up possible. McCarthy offers a much better physical skill set to develop than his peers on the roster.”