New mock draft has Raiders trading up for new franchise QB

The Las Vegas Raiders offense is going to look a lot different in 2023 than it did in 2022. Longtime starting quarterback Derek Carr was released days after the Super Bowl, meaning the offense will be led by a new player for the first time since 2013 when Terrell Pryor was the starting quarterback.

Replacing Carr as the starter in 2023 will be Jimmy Garoppolo. It was relatively easy to connect the dots on that signing as he will be reuniting with Josh McDaniels. The current Raiders head coach was the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots during Garoppolo’s time there to start his career.

Garoppolo agreed to a three-year deal with the Raiders, so it is safe to say they plan on him being the starter for the foreseeable future. However, Las Vegas has been connected to quarterback prospects throughout the offseason and could still go in that direction.

That is exactly what the Raiders do in a recent mock draft over at CBS Sports. Not only do they select a quarterback, the Raiders move up in the draft to do so. In this scenario, Las Vegas will make a trade with the Detroit Lions, moving up one spot in the draft, which costs them the No. 70 overall pick, to do.

With the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Raiders would then use that selection on Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. With Garoppolo in the mix, it is certainly a surprise move for Las Vegas, but if there is a player you like, it makes sense to go up and get them.

The Arizona Cardinals and Lions are going to have their phones ringing off the hook with teams looking to move up with their eyes on a quarterback. They are ahead of quarterback-needy teams hoping the board falls their way, and in this instance, Detroit takes advantage.

Levis has a lot to like as he ran a pro-style offense with success at Kentucky. While things took a step back for him in 2022 because of injuries and the talent around him worsening, he did well in interviews and didn’t make excuses for the performance.

All of the tools needed to become a top-flight quarterback are there for Levis. But, there is certainly some work to be done for him to accomplish that feat. With no pressure to start right away, Las Vegas could be a great landing spot for Levis to continue working on his game and developing behind Garoppolo for a year or two.