Competition In The Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback Room

Competition In The Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback Room
Credit to: Leonardo Ríos

The Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback competition is set to be one of the most closely watched position groups during training camp. With a mix of experience and youth, it features to be intense as each player looks to prove themselves and earn their place on the depth chart.

With Greg Olson leading the Quarterbacks and Nate Carroll assisting in Game Management, the Raiders benefit from a wealth of coaching experience. Their combined knowledge, mentorship, and attention to detail will play a key role in developing and guiding the quarterback group.

Eugene Cyril Smith III

Credit to: Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Geno enters his 13th NFL season with new expectations as he takes command of the Raiders’ offense for the first time. Previously, he earned two Pro Bowl honors and the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year award during his Seattle tenure.

Smith also led the league in completion percentage in 2022, setting Seattle’s single-season records in several key passing categories. Additionally, over the past three seasons, he has ranked among the NFL’s best in accuracy, yards, touchdowns, and passer rating.

Aidan James O´Connell

Credit to: Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo

Aidan now enters his third season with the Raiders, where he is projected to hold the primary backup quarterback role. Thanks to his poise, growing experience, and system familiarity, he provides stability and dependability behind the team’s expected starter.

O’Connell continues to showcase excellent anticipation, pocket feel, and timing, making him a strong backup option. However, his struggles under pressure and limited mobility are still areas he must improve to elevate his overall quarterback profile.

Tommy Mellott

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Tommy spent five years at Montana State as a dual-threat quarterback and now transitions into a wide receiver role. Because of his athleticism, he may thrive in a versatile package and could contribute on special teams or in gadget plays.

Mellott brings acceleration, quick hips, and burst, which help him separate as a route-runner. Though undersized, he impressed at his pro day and shows promise as a hybrid offensive weapon with long-term developmental upside.

Cam Miller

Credit to: Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images

Cam started four years in college, gaining leadership experience and showing strong mobility in and out of the pocket. He regularly extended plays with his legs and displayed solid touch, especially on short throws and play-action concepts.

Miller sometimes hesitates when reading defenses, leading to missed windows and forced plays. Furthermore, his arm strength is limited, and his accuracy dips under pressure, which raises questions about his long-term value at the NFL level.

Carter Roy Bradley

Credit to: Kirby Lee/Imagn Images

Carter is a composed and smart quarterback who processes quickly and understands offensive structure well, partly thanks to his coaching background. When in rhythm, he throws with clean mechanics and remains calm even when facing defensive pressure.

Bradley still lacks high-level mobility and has an elongated release, which slows down his decision-making. A 2023 knee injury has further affected his movement, and his inconsistent accuracy under pressure hinders his chances of competing for a final roster spot.

What To Expect?

Credit to: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Pete Carroll has emphasized open competition, ensuring each quarterback receives fair evaluations during training camp and preseason. Under Chip Kelly’s offensive design, timing, decision-making, and consistency will be critical areas of focus throughout the team’s evaluation period.

Geno Smith is expected to begin the season as the starting quarterback, offering leadership and experience. Meanwhile, O’Connell and Miller will battle for backup roles, Mellott shifts into a hybrid position, and Bradley fights to keep his NFL hopes alive.

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