Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: QB Malik Cunningham, Louisville
The Las Vegas Raiders have been busy scouting nearly every position this offseason. Less than three weeks before heading to Kansas City for the 2023 NFL Draft, the team is focusing deeply on the quarterback position.
A new era at quarterback is set to begin this season, but the Raiders still need to find their quarterback of the future, or at least find one to develop.
Quarterback Malik Cunningham, Louisville Cardinals
“A unique mix of dual-threat abilities, Cunningham can beat an opponent on any given play in an array of ways. He is capable of making the big-play deep ball pass, he can move the chains with his feet, either by design or improvised on the fly and we even saw him deceive the defense this past season lining up at wideout and catching a pass,” NFL Draft Bible said of Cunningham.
The 6-1, 190-pound quarterback had big shoes to fill in at Louisville, and while some may say he didn’t live up to the expectations, they need to realize he had to succeed the former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.
Cunningham's last season was cut short by injuries, as he played in only 10 games (nine starts), but he still managed to pass for 1,568 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions, while adding 565 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Cunningham would break Jackson's school record by accounting for 120 career touchdowns, 70 passing, and 50 rushing.
“Currently, he is most dangerous as a runner, showcasing extremely fast speed and elusiveness in the open field—he can take it the distance at any moment. With his passing style, Cunningham thrives with his ability to create outside the pocket, demonstrating the athleticism to throw on the run, off-platform, and can make the untraditional throw look easy,” Draft Bible added.
Cunningham is a player coaches in the NFL would want to develop. However, according to Pro Football Focus, he did have some accuracy issues downfield (31 percent last season on deep throws).
At times, Cunningham would tend to stare down and lead his receivers and end up having to force passes into tight windows.
As for the Raiders, drafting a player with his athleticism, and potential, Cunningham has a chance to come in on special packages and have time to develop as an NFL quarterback.
The NFL Draft will occur at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., from Thursday, April 25 to Saturday, April 29. ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network will broadcast all seven rounds.
Watch the NFL Playoffs live when you get your Raiders tickets from SI Tickets HERE.
Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
