The Las Vegas Raiders have been on a relentless quest for a franchise quarterback since parting ways with Derek Carr, but their efforts have yet to bear fruit. This offseason, the team pinned their hopes on Geno Smith, acquired in a trade to elevate the quarterback position beyond the underwhelming duo of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell from last season. Unfortunately, Smith’s performance has been a letdown, with the veteran leading the NFL in interceptions (nine) and struggling to find his rhythm. Even if Smith can turn things around, it’s clear the Raiders need a young, dynamic signal-caller to build their future around.
With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon and the Raiders projected to land a high pick, the stage is set for a transformative selection. While no quarterback has yet emerged as the undisputed top prospect, Oklahoma’s John Mateer is quietly making a case to be the Raiders’ answer under center. Ayrton Ostly of USA Today recently projected Mateer as the Raiders’ pick, highlighting his potential to rejuvenate the franchise.
Mateer, in his first season at Oklahoma after transferring from Washington State, was turning heads before a broken bone in his throwing hand temporarily sidelined him. Despite the injury, his electrifying playstyle has scouts buzzing. Ostly noted, “With young talent at tight end, running back, and wide receiver but an aging (and regressing) Geno Smith at quarterback, Las Vegas pulls the trigger on a young passer. Mateer’s a creative runner who can extend plays as a dual-threat quarterback and create explosives. His performance against Michigan showed he can handle the tougher defenses in college football.”
At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Mateer brings a rare blend of passing precision and athleticism. His ability to operate in Oklahoma’s up-tempo offense, combined with his fearlessness in attacking tight windows, makes him a tantalizing prospect. Through just four games this season, Mateer racked up 1,215 passing yards and six touchdown passes while adding 190 rushing yards and five more scores on the ground. His aggressive mentality and playmaking ability could inject new life into a Raiders offense craving dynamism.
Mateer’s injury—a broken bone in his throwing hand requiring surgery—has introduced some uncertainty about his draft stock. Expected to miss about a month, he should return before the season ends, giving him a chance to solidify his case. While Ostly sees him as a potential top-10 pick, ESPN’s Jordan Reid projects him as an early second-rounder, noting, “Mateer was climbing rankings quickly after impressive early-season performances against Michigan and Auburn. He was viewed as a middle-round prospect coming into the season, but scouts were starting to mention him in early-Day 2 discussions.”
Despite the injury, Mateer’s upside remains undeniable. His ability to create explosive plays both through the air and on the ground makes him a perfect fit for a modern NFL offense. For a Raiders team that hasn’t had a true dual-threat quarterback in recent memory, Mateer’s skill set could be a game-changer.
Even if the Raiders opt to retain Smith for another season, Mateer’s versatility offers creative ways to get him on the field early. His rushing prowess could see him utilized in specialized packages, allowing him to develop while adding a spark to the offense. At just 34, Smith is a capable athlete, but his mobility pales in comparison to Mateer’s, whose fearless running style draws comparisons to some of the NFL’s most exciting young quarterbacks.
The Raiders’ young core, including talent at skill positions, provides an ideal foundation for a quarterback like Mateer to grow into a star. If he can recover fully and showcase his dual-threat ability down the stretch, he could cement himself as the long-term solution Las Vegas has been searching for.