The Oakland Raiders are busy trying to figure out their current quarterback situation. Current start Carson Palmer has not been shy about his unhappiness with the team. Terrelle Pryor may or may not be ready to be a starter in league come Week 1. So that leaves the team with a bit of an unknown at quarterback. With quarterback Geno Smith likely being taken with either the first or second pick, that leaves Matt Barkley to Oakland. General manager Reggie McKenzie was on hand for his Pro Day and was reportedly impressed.
Barkley threw in front of NFL scouts for the first time since injuring his throwing shoulder in November of last season. 31 of 32 teams were on hand to see the highly anticipated Pro Day. Barkley appeared crisp and healthy. He completed 55-of-60 passes. Scouts noted his velocity and accuracy were on point.
Once considered a lock to be a top-10 pick, Barkley is now thought to be a low first round, high second round pick. His career prior to the 2012 season is that of a first-round pick, but his decision to stay in school and perform at a sub-par level his senior, saw a drop in his draft stock. He did throw for 36 touchdowns in 2012, but he also threw 15 interceptions, compared to the seven he threw in 2011.
The Oakland Raiders currently draft No. 3 overall. Barkley is not a No. 3 pick. He might not even be a top-10 pick, but Oakland does not have a second round pick and that could change their entire draft mindset. Palmer wants out and that leaves the team with a decision. McKenzie was reportedly impressed with Barkley's performance and is likely to bring the quarterback in for a private workout.
The team needs to make a move regarding the position. Palmer has refused to restructure his contract and take a pay cut the team requested. His mindset is that he would rather take a pay cut playing for someone else than play for the Raiders. It is likely he will be released in the coming days.
Is Pryor ready to be the No. 1 guy? That remains to be seen. Smith is considered the top quarterback in the draft, but the Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars are both interested in him and they pick ahead of Oakland. If the Raiders end up liking what they seen in Barkley, he will be taken off the board much sooner than expected.
