The Las Vegas Raiders, stumbling to a 2-5 record heading into their bye week, are reeling from a crushing defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. The loss has sparked intense debate about the team’s decision to trade for veteran quarterback Geno Smith rather than drafting a rookie quarterback like Cam Ward or Jaxson Dart in the first round of the NFL Draft. While rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has shown flashes of brilliance and leadership, analysts argue the Raiders may have missed a golden opportunity to secure a franchise quarterback, leaving fans and pundits questioning the team’s direction.
The Geno Smith Experiment Falls Flat
Hindsight is 20/20, but the Raiders’ decision to acquire Geno Smith has been nothing short of disappointing. The veteran quarterback, brought in to stabilize the offense, has struggled to deliver consistent performances, raising questions about whether the team miscalculated in prioritizing a veteran over a young, cost-controlled rookie. With only two quarterbacks—Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart—selected in the first round, the Raiders could have traded back to draft Dart or maneuvered to re-enter the first round for the Ole Miss standout. Instead, they opted for Jeanty, a talented running back whose impact, while notable, hasn’t addressed the team’s glaring need at quarterback.
ESPN 710’s Jorge Sedano and Scott Kaplan have been vocal about the Raiders’ misstep. Sedano emphasized the long-term value of a rookie quarterback, stating, “The difference between Ashton Jeanty being good at running back and the next good running back is a lot smaller, the margins, than a good young quarterback being the guy at that position for you moving forward.” He also highlighted the financial advantage of a rookie contract, noting, “It helps you from a cap perspective that you’re not paying the rookie quarterback the same salary you would a veteran quarterback, which then allows you to put better pieces around him.”
Kaplan echoed this sentiment, arguing that a young quarterback like Dart could grow through mistakes, whereas Smith’s errors are less forgivable given his experience. “The Raiders, and they know it to be true now, they probably didn’t know it at the beginning, the screw up was Geno Smith,” Kaplan said. “They’re spending too much money on a guy who’s not a top-flight quarterback, and they’d be better served with a young guy, because young guys can lose games, but at least they’re starting to make some improvements in their game. I mean, Jaxson Dart is going to learn from the terrible interception that he threw [in Week 7] late in that game against Denver.”
Ashton Jeanty: A Bright Spot Amid the Collapse
Despite the criticism surrounding the Raiders’ draft strategy, Ashton Jeanty has emerged as a silver lining. The rookie running back has not only shown promise on the field but also displayed leadership qualities that could make him a cornerstone of the franchise. Following the Raiders’ dismal performance against the Chiefs, Jeanty didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s shortcomings. “Just a terrible performance by us as a team,” he told the media. “Couldn’t stop them on defense and offense. We couldn’t get going at all. So, you’re going to lose a lot of football games like that.”
Jeanty’s introspection and accountability stood out as he urged his teammates to take responsibility rather than point fingers. “We just got to be better. I mean, simple as that,” he said. “We got to go back, watch the film, can’t point the finger, can’t point a finger at coaches for the scheme or another player for making a mistake. We got to look inward and see how each and every single one of us can get better to make sure that never happens again.”
A Missed Opportunity at Quarterback?
The Raiders’ offensive struggles have amplified the debate over whether drafting Jeanty over a quarterback was a mistake. While Jeanty’s potential is undeniable, the gap between a good running back and a great one is often narrower than the chasm between a competent quarterback and a franchise cornerstone. With Smith failing to elevate the offense, the Raiders are left wondering if a rookie like Dart or Ward could have provided a spark—and a long-term solution.
Sedano and Kaplan’s arguments resonate with a fanbase desperate for stability at the quarterback position. A rookie quarterback, even one prone to growing pains, could have offered hope for the future while allowing the Raiders to allocate resources to bolster other areas of the roster. Instead, the team is tethered to Smith’s underwhelming performance and a salary that limits their flexibility.
As the Raiders head into their bye week, the focus will be on regrouping and addressing the offensive woes that have plagued them through seven weeks. Jeanty’s leadership and talent provide a foundation to build on, but the quarterback question looms large. Should the Raiders have taken a chance on Dart or Ward? Could a rookie quarterback have weathered the storm of early losses while developing into a franchise leader? These questions will linger as Las Vegas evaluates its roster and strategy moving forward.
For now, Jeanty remains a bright spot in a season marked by disappointment. His ability to rally his teammates and take accountability offers hope that he can be a leader for years to come. However, the Raiders’ decision to pass on a first-round quarterback may haunt them as they navigate a challenging season and an uncertain future.