Raiders Predicted To Replace Gardner Minshew With 3,500-Yard Star QB

It's been a tough year for the Las Vegas Raiders under first-year head coach Antonio Pierce. 

With quarterback Gardner Minshew leading the charge, the Raiders have fallen to 2-8 on the season and own the NFL's longest current losing streak of six games heading into their Week 12 battle against the Denver Broncos. 

Rookie first-round draft pick Brock Bowers has proven to be one of the lone bright spots on the team. The tight end is already leading the league in receptions and receiving yards among players at his position.

With a better quarterback throwing to Bowers, the rookie could become an even more lethal threat. Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team believes he has just the player to fill that role in the 2025 NFL draft, predicting Las Vegas to select Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 4 pick.

"Las Vegas has to take a swing on a high-upside quarterback as it competes with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert," Valentino wrote. "Ward has a smooth throwing motion that can deliver an accurate ball to all three field levels. He's prone to doing too much and forcing boneheaded passes, but Las Vegas can offer Ward a safe haven to grow his game without high expectations immediately."

Ward proved himself to be a star during his two-year career with the Washington State Cougars. But, after transferring to Miami in 2024, the senior out of West Columbia, Texas, has taken his game to another level. 

Through 11 games in the 2024 college football season, Ward has the Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1 in ACC play) in solid position to make the College Football Playoff, although it would likely take winning out to do so. 

Ward has completed 268-of-399 passes for 3,774 yards, 34 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The star QB has also proven capable on the ground, adding 177 yards and another four scores.

As Valentino mentioned, Ward is prone to some questionable decisions. However, he has the potential to be great at the next level.