The quarterback competition between Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew II has been a "pick your poison" scenario so far.
The two have displayed different skill sets and leadership qualities on the practice field. O'Connell is your more traditional pocket quarterback with pinpoint accuracy and above average throwing power. He has a quiet confidence in the huddle, meticulously trying to read the defense.
"I think he's super smart and he's super accurate," Minshew said about his teammate. "As a young guy, he really understands football, understands progressions, timing, and it's fun to see him interact with the guys. He has a ton of energy."
Minshew, on the other hand, is a gunslinger. If there's a play to be made, he'll make it – even if he needs to use his feet to extend it. He's vocal in the huddle and loves to let his hair flow in the Las Vegas heat.
"Gardner is a great guy. Really, what you see is really what you get," O'Connell said. "He's been awesome with me. I think we do a good job of communicating with each other about what we're seeing and what we're thinking on each play."
In many regards, they're pretty similar. This certainly isn't either of their first rodeos when it comes to a quarterback competition, both climbing their way up the depth chart through their collegiate careers before becoming Day 3 draft picks. Both were also thrust in the limelight their rookie seasons: Minshew started 12 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and O'Connell took over the starting role in Week 9 last season.
For the two Raiders quarterbacks, competition is honestly all they've ever known.
"That's not unique to us," O'Connell said of the QB battle. "That's in any position really, especially in this sport. Only one quarterback can play. Our stories are kind of both underdog stories, having to work to get to the point where we're at now."
Quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello also recognizes that "the style of play is probably a little different" with each of the two quarterbacks. Nevertheless, he's been pleased with the competitiveness both have brought to the table and believes either would be a capable option as the ultimate starter.
"They're both incredible, good personalities. They balance each other well," Scangarello said last week. "They're different how they approach it. They're different how they play, but their mindsets are similar. They're bringing out the best in each other. We've thrown a lot at them and they've handled it well. But I feel like we've got great opportunities for one of these guys to lead us to do some great things."
Along with O'Connell and Minshew, the quarterback room rounded out by Anthony Brown Jr., who played for the Baltimore Ravens last season, and UDFA Carter Bradley from South Alabama. From all accounts, the room is enjoying each other's company while also learning from each other.
As each quarterback continues getting reps, the competition will intensify – which is great news for the 2024 Las Vegas Raiders.
"As any real competitor, you don't want them to get worse, you want yourself to be better," Minshew said. "So the better he is, if I'm beating him out that means I'm just raising it that much more. That's just how I've always viewed it. If he's pushing me, he's completing every pass, I've got to figure out a way to do better. I think that's only way to really ever improve."
Head inside Intermountain Health Performance Center to view photos from day eight of OTAs.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Amari Gainer (53) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jaydon Grant (40) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tomari Fox (60) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman David Agoha (55) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
A Las Vegas Raider at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders assistant tight ends coach Mitch Singler at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safeties coach Gerald Alexander at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson (31) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Ja'Quan Sheppard (46) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Zach Gentry (88) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Ben Brown (79) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders assistant defense coach Josh Phillips and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Marquan McCall (52) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Noah Shannon (62) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tomari Fox (60) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end TJ Franklin (57) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tomari Fox (60) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Marquan McCall (52) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Noah Shannon (62) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tomari Fox (60) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman David Agoha (55) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Guyton (4) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ramel Keyton (82) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jeff Foreman (80) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tulu Griffin (81) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end John Samuel Shenker (86) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tulu Griffin (81) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Guyton (4) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Michael Gallup (10) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Anthony Brown Jr. (13) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (33) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jeff Foreman (80) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (84) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tulu Griffin (81) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (70) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (70) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Will Putnam (67) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Andrew Coker (73) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerbacks coach Ricky Manning Jr. at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Cornell Armstrong (30) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Woo Governor (44) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders run game coordinator and linebackers coach Mike Caldwell at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson (31) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (45) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson (31) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jaydon Grant (40) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Cornell Armstrong (30) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson (31) at an Organized Team Activity (OTA) at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
