First: I’m not interested in debating whether or not AOC is the future of the Raiders here, because right now we have no idea. This conversation is assuming that he’s not, and that the Raiders look to move on with someone else at the QB position next year.
So on the Silver and Black Today Podcast, the hosts talked about the possibility of Justin Fields maybe going to Las Vegas next year. And they made that connection around the fact that Champ Kelly scouted and drafted Fields while he was in Chicago, so there is a pre-existing relationship there.
They also pointed out that Mark Davis has plainly said that Champ Kelly was his pick to be GM before McDaniels brought Ziegler as a package deal. So the assumption there is that Champ Kelly will likely have the job going into next year.
If this all comes to fruition, what do we think about that?
I personally think Fields is talented, and can be great given the right environment. Chicago has never developed QBs well, as they tend to be a more defensive culture.
On top of that, I can’t imagine Chicago will ask for more than a 3rd or 4th round pick for the guy, which I would be fine with. With the 1st pick, they’ll likely be all in on Caleb Williams.
This would allow us to focus on the lines, and secondary in the draft while giving him a shot in Vegas for a year. It would be so low risk, and potential high reward. And if it doesn’t work out, we could always look to a QB in next years draft.
Or do you think we go all in on one of the potential studs coming out this year?
I’d love Fields. Anyone calling him terrible has to realize that dude had Gase his first year and was thrown to the wolves when Dalton went down. Not to mention having a terrible O-Line with no stand-out receivers, tight ends, or running backs. They had David Montgomery and Allen Robinson his rookie season who jumped ship once Gase was fired. Now he’s having a much better season with only 1 star in Moore.
Everyone always complains about the league being a buddy system where coaches can rotate around because of connections, that’s literally what’s happening to Fields. He’s had multiple different OCs and QB coaches in 3 years, coaches who have had terrible track records or little to no qualifications but that were hired because they worked with the HC years ago. I’d say give him a chance, he shows flashes of brilliance and this year he’s made a huge leap forward.