Levi Edwards

Ron Coggins from Virginia asks:

"Depending on how good of a draft we have this year, do you think we any chance of competing for a division title while Geno is our QB?"

There's more pieces that need to surround the quarterback before contemplating the idea of winning the AFC West. But I believeGeno Smithhas all the tools to move the Raiders into that direction.

For starters, Smith has a proven track record of winning with Pete Carroll asthe two reuniteafter spending five seasons together with the Seattle Seahawks. Smith won 17 games as the starting quarterback under Carroll, which included a playoff berth in 2022. The 34-year-old veteran is also of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league, having completed over 70 percent of has throws last season. Additionally, he's thrown 40 touchdown passes traveling over 10 air yards from 2022-23, ranking second in the NFL, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

"I think it gives us instant stability in a crucial spot," Carroll said. "The history that we have and my understanding of G [Geno Smith] and how to help him be the best he can be, and he knows how to bring out the best in our system because he'll stand for the competitiveness and the things that we believe in. It's just a great fit, and I'm so thrilled."

In 2024, the Raiders ranked in the bottom five of touchdown passes thrown and in the top five of interceptions thrown. In a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix, quarterback play will be vital in winning games. Hopefully for the Silver and Black, Smith can be a remarkable upgrade if he earns the QB1 job.

Kyle Bini from New Jersey asks:

"Now that we know Geno signed a contract extension, do you think the Raiders pass on drafting a QB altogether?"

This may be a spicy answer to your question Kyle, but I wouldn't even rule out the Raiders taking a quarterback at No. 6 if one to their liking is available.

We've seen teams in the past select a quarterback with their first-round pick despite having a veteran starter already in place. This can be said of the Chiefs taking two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes in 2017 while they still had Alex Smith or even in last year's draft when the Atlanta Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. after signing Kirk Cousins to a multi-year contract.

If Shedeur Sanders slides to No. 6, Las Vegas could be in the market to fortify their future and let him develop behind Smith. The two have worked out together this offseason, confirmed by Sanders on his"2Legendary" podcast. Alabama's Jalen Milroe also makes for an intriguing quarterback option in the first-round after clocking in a 4.46 in the 40-yard dashat his pro day.

Nevertheless, Carroll stated he believes Smith will add "stability" at quarterback which could suggest they'll look to add a signal-caller later in the draft or as an undrafted free agent. While it is possible that Smith,Aidan O'ConnellandCarter Bradleyremain the only three quarterbacks on the roster, I personally find it unlikely.

Patrick Farris from California asks:

"Seems to be a lot of folks thinking the Raiders need a true number one WR. Has there been any thought or discussions moving Jakobi Meyers into that role?"

Jakobi Meyerscan't move into a role he's already currently in.

As of now, Meyers is the No. 1 receiver on the Raiders roster. He's coming off his first career season with over 1,000 receiving yards while finishing second on the team in receptions (87) and receiving touchdowns (four), trailing only All-Pro rookie tight endBrock Bowers. It's also worth noting that Meyers had this type of success while catching passes from three different quarterbacks throughout the season. With Geno Smith under center, Meyers' volume could even see an increase if the two can create some chemistry.

"I was just talking to Jakobi. We're so excited about just getting the chance to work together," Smith said Monday. "I followed him from New England to here and always thought he was a really good receiver, a really good player."

While it's inevitable the Raiders add some depth to their receiving corps between now and the beginning of the season, Meyers has proved he can handle the responsibilities and duties of being a team's WR1.