Mock drafts are increasingly connecting the dots between the Las Vegas Raiders and Ashton Jeanty, with running back a glaring need.
Raiders general manager John Spytek recently addressed trade possibilities surrounding their No. 6 overall position in the 2025 NFL Draft and indicated discussions remain preliminary, at best.
“If you’re asking, my phone hasn’t rung yet. But, it’s only Friday,” Spytek said, via Andrew Siciliano.
Raiders GM John Spytek: “If you’re asking, my phone hasn’t rung yet. But, it’s only Friday.”
Raiders hold the #6 overall pick.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) April 18, 2025
The flexibility extends well beyond the Raiders’ first-round selection. Armed with multiple picks, Las Vegas possesses considerable capital to maneuver throughout the draft.
Las Vegas faces multiple roster voids that require immediate attention. Beyond running back, it needs impact starters at wide receiver, cornerback and linebacker.
While addressing all these needs in a single draft presents a challenge, the Raiders’ financial situation offers additional pathways to improvement.
With available salary cap space, the organization can pursue talent through various avenues, such as signing undrafted free agents, targeting established veterans, or executing trades after the draft.
Some of these financial resources might also be allocated toward extending current players due for new contracts.
Pairing Jeanty with tight end Brock Bowers could rapidly transform the Raiders’ offensive identity.
Such a foundation would allow them to focus on offensive line improvements through later draft selections or free agents.
Las Vegas cannot afford another season of instability at running back, as the past two campaigns have exposed this deficiency repeatedly.
So, passing on a talent like Jeanty only to field another committee of underperformers would represent a concerning case of history repeating itself.
NEXT: Raiders Could Reportedly Trade Their QB For Draft Pick
