This Raiders quarterback appears to have early lead in starting competition

Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O'Connell are in a tight battle for the starting job, but one may be taking the lead heading into training camp.

"The quarterback competition is real, and I'm not sure Gardner Minshew would be the starter if the season started tomorrow despite his solid track record and two-year, $25 million contract," wrote Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "And it's not anything he's done wrong, rather it's what 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell has done right. In the spring, he performed like a starter and carried himself that way too, showing the savvy to win over, and win the respect of, the team's veteran core."

One veteran teammate who clearly admires O'Connell's game is six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams. He vouched for the 25-year-old during a recent appearance on Shannon Sharpe's "Club Shay Shay" podcast.

"I do believe in Aidan, and I think he's going to be able to feel a lot more comfortable," Adams said . "He looked pretty good in OTAs, and we just going to continue to grow and learn from each other. I've always been a big advocate for him."

As much confidence as Adams may have in O'Connell, though, Minshew may have a higher ceiling. Last season, the six-year veteran almost led the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs, going 7-6 in 13 starts . O'Connell, meanwhile, went 5-5 in 10 starts , posting a below-average 40.5 QBR. ESPN's Paul Gutierrez has noted Minshew is better at extending plays with his legs, which is paramount in the modern game.

While O'Connell has gained an early edge, Minshew could catch up if he builds a rapport with Adams and gets a grip on the offense. The Raiders' three preseason games will likely determine who wins the competition.