The Las Vegas Raiders are unlikely to select a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft after acquiring Geno Smith.
However, at 34 years old, Smith isn’t a long-term solution, meaning the Raiders could address the quarterback position in a future draft—or potentially take a chance this year.
One quarterback who stands out as a fit is Ohio State’s Will Howard, who just had the best season of his college career. Notably, new Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was his playcaller last season.
Howard recently held his Pro Day, and according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, he revealed one team he’s set to meet with.
“NFL teams watched Howard (6-foot-4, 236 pounds) thrive at both Kansas State and Ohio State, where he helped the Buckeyes secure a national title last season,” Jackson wrote. “Recently, he’s been back on campus amid a busy schedule of visits and private workouts. While he was reluctant to disclose his full pre-draft itinerary, he confirmed a scheduled visit with the Raiders and their new offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly.”
Since the Raiders are limited to 30 pre-draft visits, their meeting with Howard indicates genuine interest. They are also meeting with Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Smith is expected to start in 2025, but that isn’t stopping the Raiders from evaluating potential quarterbacks in this year’s draft.