NFL scout has bold thoughts on Raiders' Aidan O'Connell

The Las Vegas Raiders didn’t draft a quarterback, which means they will be going into next season with Aidan O’Connell as their starter under center.

Of course, O’Connell may face some competition in camp and preseason, as the Raiders signed Gardner Minshew in free agency. Barring an injury or an unexpected turn of events, O’Connell will almost certainly be Las Vegas’ QB1 heading into 2024.

An NFL scout tells the NFL Analysis Network what he expects from O’Connell, and his outlook on the young signal-caller is pretty positive.

“I’m glad the Raiders didn’t go all-out for a new franchise quarterback,” the scout said. “They already have one. Aidan O’Connell, with a little bit of development, can be a high level long-term franchise quarterback for Las Vegas.”

As for who O’Connell’s NFL comparison is?

“Honestly, I think he’ll start looking an awful lot like Kirk Cousins this season. From both a production and success standpoint,” the scout said. “The Raiders are going to be a playoff team with him leading the way.”

Las Vegas owned the 13th overall pick in the draft last week, with six quarterbacks being selected before the Raiders were on the clock. They ultimately decided against trading up and took former Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.

O’Connell, who played his collegiate football at Purdue, was selected by Las Vegas in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

He began his rookie campaign as Jimmy Garoppolo’s backup, but usurped him as the started midway through the season. In 11 games and 10 starts, O’Connell threw for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 62.1 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 83.9.

The 25-year-old was particularly impressive over his last four starts, totaling eight touchdowns and no picks.

We’ll see what O’Connell does in his first full season in 2024.