C.J. Stroud will be among the NFL Draft prospects who’ll hold up an NFL jersey after hearing his name called in Kansas City on Thursday. But with the draft four days away, there’s beginning to be a clearer sense of which uniform he’ll be holding up.

Latest Raiders News Highlights Interest in C.J. Stroud

Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline learned Sunday just how far the Ohio State dual-threat standout can fall: No further than the seventh overall selection, where the Las Vegas Raiders hold that spot.

“Should Stroud get past the Texans, most believe the Colts will take either Stroud or Will Levis at four. Just about everyone I’ve spoken with believes Stroud won’t get past the Raiders at pick number 7,” Pauline said.

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While the Raiders signed two-time Super Bowl winner Jimmy Garoppolo during the offseason, fans of the Silver and Black should welcome the possibility of the dynamic Stroud being added first among their 12 draft selections.

But here’s what else can entice the Raider fan base about Stroud: He’s already stated back in February he would love to play with one Pro Bowl talent already in Sin City.

Stroud’s Davante Adams Connection

Speaking on Boardroom via TikTok on Feb. 13, Stroud got asked if there’s one retired and current wide receiver he’d love to throw the football to.

Stroud first answered Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson as the former wideout he would’ve loved to team with. But, his answer for current NFL wide receiver was Johnson’s favorite route runner — which “Ochocinco” has openly said is Davante Adams.

“This almost got me in trouble earlier. I don’t want to stir up the pot but retired receivers? I’m going with Chad Ochocinco. But if you know anything about who ‘Ochocinco’ loves? That’ll give you your answer [for current NFL receiver],” Stroud said. “So if you watch ‘Ochocinco’ on who his favorite route runner is in the league? That’s who I would like to throw to.”

To reiterate, the six-time Pro Bowler who played from 2001 to 2011 doesn’t shy away from his fandom for Adams. Johnson even told the NFL Network that Adams is his favorite receiver to watch, which was during a time Adams was with the Green Bay Packers.

Now, there’s the potential for a Stroud to Adams aerial show in a city known for providing entertainment.

How Would Stroud Fit With the Current Raiders QBs?

Stroud wouldn’t officially be considered QB1 for the Raiders. Not with Garoppolo coming over and reuniting with his former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, after the two spent time together with the New England Patriots.

However, Garoppolo’s injury history — from ankle sprains in 2020 to a thumb fracture on his throwing hand in 2021 all the way to last season’s foot injury — would give Stroud a high chance of being asked to play right away.

McDaniels is obviously known for using pocket passers like Tom Brady and Garoppolo during his Patriot days. Although he did run some read-option looks with Cam Newton during the 2020 season. Perhaps McDaniels would dip into that bag for Stroud to give the running and throwing threat some early confidence.

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Outside of Garoppolo right now are 15-year veteran Brian Hoyer and undrafted 2022 rookie Chase Garbers. Both don’t have the athleticism that mirrors what Stroud brings to the field. Plus, with “Jimmy G” and Hoyer past their 30s, the Raiders are already in a position where they’ll have to think about their QB of the future.

Stroud is now emerging as that possibility for the Raiders. Despite rumors of a potential tumble, Stroud’s not expected to fall out of the top 10, leaving Las Vegas as a real possibility.