Raiders Land Future Franchise Quarterback in ESPN’s Preseason Mock Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders announced earlier this week that Gardner Minshew would be the starting quarterback for this season, beating out second-year pro Aidan O'Connell for the job. Minshew gives the team the best chance to win this season, but most fans don't view him as the long-term answer.

ESPN analyst Field Yates published his first 2025 NFL Mock Draft today, and the Raiders were given the No. 8 overall pick based on FPI projections. Las Vegas currently has a win total of over/under 6.5 games on FanDuel Sportsbook , so it wouldn't be shocking to see them picking in this range.

With the No. 8 pick in Yates' mock draft, the Raiders select Quinn Ewers, a quarterback currently playing for the Texas Longhorns. According to Yates, "Ewers is a fun study with his smooth delivery and capacity to change arm angles to make creative throws."

"He has to be more consistent throwing downfield, but he can really carve up a defense with his intermediate accuracy," Yates continues. "Ewers' functional mobility is also very good and allows him to work around the pocket effectively."

Ewers currently ranks third in Heisman odds at +1200 on FanDuel, and he's projected to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country this fall. Raiders fans hoping to see him play can tune into Texas' season opener on Saturday, August 31, at 3:30 PM EST.

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