The Raiders were expected to select a quarterback high in the draft by many analysts and fans. Since the departure of Derek Carr, the Raider’s all-time passer, the franchise is looking for a long-term solution at quarterback for the first time since 2014 when Carr was drafted. Head coach Josh Mcdaniels and general manager Dave Zeigler went a different direction, selecting Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson in the first round instead.
The Raiders Draft Projections
Las Vegas would select a quarterback in the 4th round when they selected Aidan O’Connell out of Purdue University. Not as many fans studied O’Connell because most experts thought the silver and black would select a better-known quarterback such as Anthony Richardson, Will Levis, and Hendon Hooker.
Analysts and media personalities didn’t make much of the pick, that is until the Raiders said that they have their next Tom Brady. Fans can’t expect any quarterback to compare to considerably the best player of all time, but his release and playing style do seem similar.
Aidan O’Connell Stays Humble
The factors that go into a quarterback’s success are abundant. Aidan O’Connell had an at-home virtual interview with members of the media where he mentions that the resources at Purdue University contributed to his success.
There is one noticeable difference that Aidan O’Connell has from Tom Brady when he came out of the University of Michigan. He is extremely humble. Brady famously walked up to Robert Kraft and told him “You’ll never regret picking me”. O’Connell seems almost embarrassed about how good he is. He attributes his success to his friends and family members. He said, “They would make me feel like I’m the best quarterback in the world, even though I wasn’t”. This is a sharp contrast to Tom Brady and his demeanor coming out of college.
Can Aidan O’Connell Compete Like Brady?
Aidan O’Connell could surprise most people when they watch the film. His quick release and decision making is a big reason why the Raiders traded up in the 4th round to grab him. A less flattering similarity to Brady is O’Connell’s less than impressive physique, which would be considered average at best. But Josh McDaniels thinks that O’Connell has the skills to develop into an NFL quarterback. O’Connell and Brady played and had success in the same college conference and will play for the same coach. They are both late-round draft picks, but the biggest difference is the attitude of both men. Can being humble still convert into winning in the NFL? There will be people keeping track of O’Connell’s career because they wonder the same thing. O’Connell’s teammates speak highly of his leadership skills and he seems to have all the intangibles that every franchise looks for, but teams also want to see that competitive hunger. If O’Connell can bring that to the table then it is up to the Raiders to give him every resource and opportunity he needs to do so.
