### Raiders Seek New Quarterback as Draft Hints at Major Team Strategies

In the wake of a stunning 38-point victory over the Ravens, the Las Vegas Raiders were reminded of the pressing need for a long-term answer at quarterback. The contrast in performance during their dismal defeat against the previously winless Panthers underscored the team's limitations, emphasizing the need to move on from Gardner Minshew.

Despite early season hopes, Minshew has not established himself as a viable solution for the Raiders' quarterback quandary. The team had previously shown interest in Jayden Daniels during the 2024 NFL Draft, primarily due to his Arizona State ties with head coach Antonio Pierce. However, they were unable to secure the No. 2 pick, leaving Minshew and second-year player Aidan O'Connell at the helm for the time being.

Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars grapple with their own issues. Although they have Trevor Lawrence secured through 2030, his inconsistent performance has been a point of concern. In a recent game against the Bills, Lawrence's play was overshadowed by Jacksonville's porous defense, which was further weakened by the absence of Tyson Campbell and Darnell Savage. This has highlighted the Jaguars' need for reinforcement in their secondary, making a player like Michigan's Will Johnson, an early standout with multiple defensive accolades, an attractive prospect for the team.

The Dallas Cowboys face challenges of a different kind. Consistently vulnerable against the run, the Cowboys allowed the Ravens to amass 274 rushing yards at an average of 6.1 yards per carry in their latest matchup. This glaring weakness points to an urgent need for stronger defensive interior talent in their roster.

As the mock draft unfolds, each team's strategies and needs become clear. The draft order is based on the current SportsLine consensus Super Bowl odds, listed in reverse. For continued insights and analysis, football fans can tune into "With the First Pick," a podcast hosted by NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. The podcast offers in-depth coverage twice a week and is available on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.