The biggest star of the Las Vegas Raiders’ 23-23 tie against the Seattle Seahawks was clearly rookie quarterback Cam Miller.
Miller, who led North Dakota State to an FCS National Championship last season, completed 6-of-7 passes for 76 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions.
That included the highlight of the night, which was a 41-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Shedrick Jackson.
The buzz around Miller following that performance has been palpable. Despite being a sixth round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, reports surfaced that Miller was personally handpicked by Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.
Some people even think he is the future of the Raiders franchise.
In an article released on Sunday August 10, 2025, expert NFL scout Brent Sobleski was clear that Raiders coaches, and fans, should be excited about Miller.
“The 24-year-old can provide the Raiders with something they don’t really have on the roster: A young, developmental quarterback with future starting potential,” Sobleski wrote.
The Bleacher Report writer also thinks that with a strong showing in the preseason, Miller may beat out Raiders veteran Aidan O’Connell for the backup quarterback job immediately this season.
“A similar effort in Week 2 of the preseason should push him past O’Connell on the depth chart,” Sobleski wrote. “Then, the Raiders can get a little excited about what they have behind Smith.”
Checking In On Other Raiders Rookies
Miller was clearly the standout Raiders rookie in their first preseason game. In Sobleski’s aforementioned article, he ranked Miller as a top 10 week 1 preseason rookie performer, at No. 9. No other Raiders rookie made the list.
But that’s partially because the Raiders are expecting most of their top rookies to start. Starters typically don’t play much in the first preseason game.
The rookie with the biggest highlight outside of Miller was probably wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr.
Thornton Jr. made only one catch for 17 yards but it was an impressive one near the sideline.
He also beat Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe for a would-be touchdown but O’Connell underthrew the ball and it was intercepted.
The Raiders also had several players from the 2024 draft class, like Chris Collier and Dylan Laube, put up solid performances.
Would The Raiders Trade O’Connell?
If the Raiders do plan on making Cam Miller their QB2, it makes O’Connell expendable. As a high-level backup with experience as an NFL starter, plenty of teams would be interested in O’Connell.
The best fits for O’Connell would likely be the Indianapolis Colts, who just lost QB Anthony Richardson to injury, and New Orleans Saints, who don’t have much starting QB experience on their roster.
A team like the Carolina Panthers may also be interested in O’Connell as Bryce Young insurance.
The Raiders plans for Miller and O’Connell are going to become extremely clear within the next week or so. Miller has a great shot to prove himself this week during the Raiders’ only joint practice of the season with the San Francisco 49ers, on Thursday August 14, 2025.
Then, how much Miller plays in the actual game against the 49ers on Saturday August 16 will tell a lot. O’Connell played for most of the game last week. If they split reps more evenly, it could be a clear sign that Miller is moving up the depth chart. Or at least that the Raiders are giving him a chance to.
Raiders fans have a great opportunity to see Cam Miller play in-person on Saturday as the Raiders welcome the 49ers to Allegiant Stadium.
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