Overview
- Smith left the Week 14 game against the Broncos with right hand and then right shoulder issues, was listed questionable to return, and Kenny Pickett finished the fourth quarter.
- Las Vegas is 2-10 and currently projected to hold the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Recent mock drafts, including The Athletic’s by Dane Brugler, forecast the Raiders pursuing a quarterback and even trading up, with Oregon’s Dante Moore frequently linked.
- Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza drew praise from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah after winning the Big Ten title, while other projections also mention Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
- Local reporter Vincent Bonsignore said Pickett and Aidan O’Connell are not viewed as long-term starters and suggested watching the draft, as some analysts also discuss a potential late Day-3 trade market for Smith.