Before the 2023 NFL Draft, it seems that the Raiders were quite determined to make a move for quarterback C.J. Stroud. According to ESPN"s Dan Orlovsky, they were seriously considering trading up to get him. As it turns out, C.J. Stroud is now shining with the Houston Texans, but he could have been wearing the Raiders" jersey this week.
This information aligns with earlier reports from a few months ago, indicating that the Raiders had explored the idea of trading up to the first overall pick when it was held by the Chicago Bears, as reported by Jeff Howe of the Athletic. Unfortunately for the Raiders, they were outbid by the Carolina Panthers.
Trending: The #Raiders tried to trade for QB C.J. Stroud before the 2023 NFL Draft, according to ESPN's Dan Orlovsky on the @dpshow https://t.co/D0pXvNhb2A
It was reported before the Draft that the Raiders tried to trade up to the 1st overall pick when the #Bears held it, but… https://t.co/nyqODQJF4J pic.twitter.com/dju5mVFAlz
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 12, 2023
The Bears had asked for quite a significant trade package, including a 2023 first-round pick, a 2023 second-round pick, two future first-round picks, and a future second-round pick from the Raiders in exchange for the top selection. In the end, Chicago ended up trading the first overall pick to the Panthers for wide receiver DJ Moore, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2023 second-round pick, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick.
The Panthers used that first overall pick to select Bryce Young, who has had a bit of a rollercoaster ride during his rookie year, with more struggles than successes. On the flip side, the Texans, who held the second overall pick, chose C.J. Stroud, and he has emerged as the standout rookie quarterback of the season. Although the initial reports didn"t specify the player the Raiders were pursuing, it"s now evident that they had their sights set on Stroud. It"s one of those “what might"ve been" moments for Raiders fans.
