Raiders expected to meet with QB prospect

ORLANDO, Fla. — Raiders coach Antonio Pierce’s experience as an NFL linebacker gives him a keen sense of what type of quarterback poses the most problems for a defense.

“A d--- runner,” Pierce said.

The answer may have offered a window into the kind of quarterback the Raiders are looking for. The quest to find their franchise passer was expected to take Pierce to Louisiana State quarterback Jayden Daniels’ pro day Wednesday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Raiders are scheduled to meet with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner privately after his workout.

Daniels is the embodiment of the quarterback Pierce hated to defend but would love to build around in Las Vegas.

Daniels threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns last year. He also ran for 1,134 yards and 10 scores. He’s considered the second- or third-best quarterback prospect in April’s draft.

The Raiders, who hold the 13th overall pick, would likely need to move up to draft Daniels. Pierce has expressed a willingness to do what it takes to make that happen. There was also talk at the NFL’s annual league meetings this week that the Commanders and Patriots, who hold the second and third picks, respectively, are open to trading down.

General manager Tom Telesco and Pierce will work together to see if a deal makes sense.

“I’m going to lean on him and his expertise on what we should do,” Pierce said. “And if it’s the right fit and that guy there that we want is a Raider and he fits the Raider culture in our way, then we’ll go get him.”

Pierce has a deep connection to Daniels.

Pierce recruited Daniels out of Southern California’s Cajon High School five years ago to play at Arizona State, where Pierce was the recruiting coordinator.

Daniels was a slender, big-armed quarterback with electrifying speed at the time. Pierce saw past the frame and envisioned greatness.

“I thought he’d be a Heisman winner. I did,” Pierce said. “That was my recruiting pitch to him.”

Daniels’ ability to be a dual threat is what Pierce is looking for in a quarterback.

Mobile passers like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson and Jalen Hurts have given teams fits in recent years because they need to be respected as a thrower and a runner.