Raiders training camp preview: How does Geno Smith shake up QB room?

The Raiders will kick off training camp July 23 in Henderson. That makes this a perfect time to take a position-by-position look at the club’s roster.

It makes sense to begin at quarterback, where the team has an unquestioned starter in Geno Smith. Aidan O’Connell, Cam Miller and Carter Bradley will compete for spots on the depth chart behind Smith.

Here is a closer look at the quarterbacks:

In the mix

Smith, O’Connell, Miller, Bradley

2024 performance

Smith started 17 games for the Seahawks last season, completing 70.4 percent of his passes with 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. The Raiders traded for the two-time Pro Bowler in March, reuniting the 34-year-old with coach Pete Carroll.

O’Connell, after losing a training camp competition with veteran Gardner Minshew, opened as the team’s backup last season but went on to make seven starts. O’Connell completed 63.4 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and four interceptions.

Bradley, the son of former Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, didn’t get in a game after joining the organization last summer as an undrafted free agent. Miller was picked in the sixth round of April’s draft out of North Dakota State.

Potential camp battles

Smith will get most of the first-team reps in camp.

O’Connell, 26, is the clear favorite to be the backup quarterback, but he will have to win the job. Bradley and Miller will fight to earn a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad.

Breakout candidate

Miller, 24, showed a great feel for the game and strong athletic ability in college. He got through reads, delivered accurate throws and extended plays with his legs. He has a chance to climb the depth chart if he proves he can do those same things in training camp.

Area of concern

O’Connell, a 2023 fourth-round pick, was solid as a rookie but regressed as a sophomore. The Raiders need him to bounce back and show he can take over if Smith misses time. The team was 2-5 in O’Connell’s starts last season.

What they are saying

“Geno is a dog. I like Geno a lot. It’s been real fun seeing the way he’s spinning, seeing the way he goes about his business. He beats me in here every day, which is cool. He knows all the play calls, so when I mess up, he can help me out. He’s a nice vet to have around, so I appreciate Geno.” — Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers

Best-case scenario

Smith was one of the NFL’s most accurate passers during his three years as Seattle’s starter. The Raiders offense, which scored the fourth-fewest points in the NFL last season, has a chance to take a major leap forward if that remains the case in Las Vegas for Smith.

Smith’s steady hand should also benefit second-year tight end Brock Bowers and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.

Worst-case scenario

Smith threw 15 interceptions last season, his most since his rookie year in 2013. Five came in the red zone.

Some of those mistakes can be blamed on Seattle’s poor offensive line and running game. Still, it’s something he needs to clean up or it could be a huge problem for the Raiders.

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.