Josh McDaniels’ tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders could have taken a different turn if not for a crucial decision during the 2023 NFL Draft. McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were relieved of their duties after a disappointing season, but it appears that their fate might have been altered.
According to a report from Raiders reporter Hondo S. Carpenter Sr. of Sports Illustrated, Ziegler was keen on making a franchise-altering move by trading up to the No. 2 spot to select Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. Ziegler believed Stroud was a “generational talent.” However, McDaniels overruled the GM’s decision, ultimately preventing the move.
One source explained, “He (Ziegler) felt the cost was cheap, and he was willing to do almost anything that didn’t include Maxx Crosby. He and Josh agreed that the price of No. 1 was too high, but Z wanted to move up to No. 2 and grab Stroud.”
Unfortunately for the Raiders, after Bryce Young went first overall to the Carolina Panthers, the Houston Texans selected Stroud with the No. 2 pick, leaving the Raiders without their desired quarterback.
Since then, Stroud has been excelling with the Texans, while the Raiders have struggled with lackluster quarterback performances from Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer, and rookie Aidan O’Connell.
The decision not to pursue Stroud has had significant repercussions, and it remains a talking point in Las Vegas.