In the midst of speculation surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders' next move in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, all signs seem to be pointing towards the University of Washington's Michael Penix Jr. as their potential next quarterback. According to recent updates from DraftKings Sportsbook, the Raiders have become the favorites to select Penix, with their odds set at +260.

Mock drafts have consistently predicted that four quarterbacks will be selected within the top five to six picks, and Penix has emerged as a popular choice for the Silver and Black. Previously, the Minnesota Vikings held the best odds to snag him, but now they stand at +350, with the Raiders in the lead.

Interestingly, Penix's odds of being a first-round selection are nearly even at +105. However, when it comes to which position the Raiders are expected to prioritize in the first round, offensive line and cornerback lead the way with +150 odds. This suggests that Las Vegas may choose to address another need with their 13th overall pick and then trade back into the first round to secure Penix.

The fluctuating nature of Penix's draft stock is evident, as his potential landing spot seems to change daily. The Raiders could potentially acquire him in the second round, but they might also need to trade up to prevent division rival Denver from snatching him away.

In other news related to the Raiders, SB Nation's Jacob Infante ranked Penix as the fifth-best quarterback despite receiving one seventh-place vote. Infante wondered if Penix's ranking would have been higher had he not experienced multiple season-ending injuries throughout his college career.

Additionally, there is speculation that Rutgers cornerback Max Melton could be a viable mid-round target for the Raiders, addressing their defensive needs. Furthermore, the 33rd Team's Ian Valentino suggested that the Raiders might consider trading up in order to secure J.J. McCarthy, highlighting the need to find a suitable quarterback solution in a division dominated by stars like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in the spotlight, with odds favoring the selection of Michael Penix Jr. Whether they secure him in the first round or make a move to secure his talents, it is clear that the Raiders are determined to find their next franchise quarterback and build a competitive team for the future.