In the lead-up to the 2023 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders, under the guidance of former general manager Dave Ziegler, had a specific target in mind—C.J. Stroud. However, a recent report by SI’s Hondo Carpenter reveals that the Raiders’ ex-coach, Josh McDaniels, played a decisive role in steering the team away from drafting Stroud. Ziegler, eager to secure the promising quarterback, considered trading up in the draft to acquire him. Unfortunately, McDaniels exercised his influence, derailing the potential move and impacting the Raiders’ quarterback strategy.
Sources suggest that McDaniels, displaying a strong-willed approach, refused to entertain the idea of trading up for Stroud. This clash of visions between Ziegler and McDaniels reflected a broader issue within the team dynamics—a lack of cohesion and shared decision-making. The ambiguity in their relationship allowed McDaniels to assert his preferences and hinder potential collaborative efforts.
Ziegler’s vision extended beyond the draft, as he aimed to re-sign Jarrett Stidham and bring in Jacoby Brissett to foster healthy competition for the starting quarterback position. Additionally, Ziegler envisioned drafting Stroud to lay the groundwork for future success, with mobile quarterbacks who possessed a firm grasp of the offensive strategy. However, McDaniels, reportedly resistant to this plan, was steadfast in his desire for Jimmy Garoppolo to be the starting quarterback.
Despite Ziegler’s concerns about Garoppolo’s injury history, McDaniels pushed for the quarterback he was familiar with from their time with the New England Patriots. Ziegler’s warnings about the potential risks fell on deaf ears as McDaniels successfully advocated for Garoppolo to be the starter.
In hindsight, the consequences of McDaniels’ influence became apparent. While Stroud, drafted by the Houston Texans at No. 2 overall, showcased impressive performances with 3,266 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 starts, Garoppolo struggled. Dealing with injuries and facing performance challenges, Garoppolo threw seven touchdowns and nine interceptions, ultimately getting benched for rookie Aidan O’Connell after Week 8.
The aftermath of this decision unfolded with both Ziegler and McDaniels facing termination in October. The divergence in their visions, particularly regarding the quarterback strategy, contributed to a series of events that led to their dismissal. The report serves as a reminder that individual preferences, when prioritized over collaborative decision-making, may not always yield the best outcomes in the dynamic landscape of the NFL.
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