The landscape of the NFL Draft has been significantly influenced by recent decisions in the NCAA, specifically the transfer portal and COVID-19 eligibility rules. These two factors have had a noteworthy impact on the crop of quarterbacks in the highly anticipated 2024 draft class. With four of the consensus top-six passers either changing schools or receiving an extra season of playing time, scouts and general managers are revising their evaluation processes.

Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, and Michael Penix Jr. are the quarterbacks who have experienced changes in their collegiate careers. Williams followed his former coach Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma to USC, while Daniels left Arizona State for LSU. Nix began his college journey at Auburn before transferring to Oregon, and Penix Jr. went from Indiana to Washington under Kalen Debor's guidance.

In the past, such transfers would have raised concerns among scouts and general managers. Questions would arise about the reasons behind these changes, their performance at previous schools, and their ability to adapt to different coaching styles. However, Tom Telesco, the new general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, emphasized that the thought process has evolved and these transfers are no longer seen as red flags.

Telesco explained, "There are just so many transfers right now, you just have to deal with it. If this was 15, 20 years ago, sometimes [it was] a little bit more of a red flag. It really isn't anymore." While it may take more time for background research due to multiple schools and scouts involved, Telesco does not consider the transferring quarterbacks as red flags.

The quarterbacks in focus, Daniels, Nix, and Penix Jr., have all been granted an extra year of eligibility due to the relaxed COVID-19 rules. This has resulted in them already playing for five seasons in college, with Penix Jr. even completing his sixth year. Consequently, they will be significantly older than the usual rookies, reaching or exceeding the age of 24 by the end of 2024. However, Telesco believes the quarterback position benefits from the additional experience and maturity that comes with age.

Telesco stated, "Like the quarterback position, I don't think it's a bad thing if you come out a little bit older, and maybe even a better thing." He further mentioned that quarterbacks require leadership, toughness, and exceptional preparation skills, making older, more experienced players valuable assets in the transition to the NFL.

The Las Vegas Raiders will be keeping these four quarterbacks on their draft board as they search for their next signal-caller. With expectations of potentially starting early in their NFL careers, the quarterbacks' collegiate experience could facilitate a smoother transition. Telesco's emphasis on leadership and toughness also aligns with the maturity and professionalism that older players often possess.

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches in two months, the Raiders will continue to meet with and target these well-experienced quarterbacks, who carry the hopes of becoming the team's next starter and the future of the franchise.