las vegas raiders
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A notable Las Vegas Raiders insider believes unless a player like Shedeur Sanders falls to them at six, one specific player being their No. 1 pick “feels inevitable.”
The Raiders have had a very active offseason. Early in the new year, they decided to make Antonio Pierce a one-and-done full-time head coach. Then replaced him with Seattle Seahawks‘ great Pete Carroll. Plus, they made one of the big surprise trades of the offseason when they acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith.
They have also been very active in NFL free agency. They brought in speedy former Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert earlier this month. And added one-time Pro Bowler Devin White this week. While they will still look to bolster the roster via the open market, the organization will soon have all of its focus on the NFL Draft.
In next month’s event, they own the sixth overall selection. The pick gives them the chance to land a player that could be a key building block for the long term. However, it is also a spot that is again outside the projection range for the top two QBs this year, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward.
Las Vegas Raiders insider predicts Ashton Jeanty is their top pick in 2025 NFL Draft
That may be why Las Vegas Review-Journal Raiders reporter Vincent Bonsignore believes they are a lock to take a specific player with the sixth overall selection.
“Only a draft-night fall by Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, or Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter could break up what feels like an inevitable pairing between Aston Jeanty and the Raiders,” Bonsignore wrote.
“Other options could be Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, but Jeanty is too compelling to pass up. He’s regarded as a top-five player on draft boards and fills a massive need.”
The Boise State star is considered the best running back in this year’s draft by far. The Heisman Trophy candidate was a monster in 2024 as he ran for 2,601 yards and averaged 7.0 yards per carry. Pete Carroll prefers a strong run game. So it makes sense if Jeanty is the Raiders’ top pick in April.
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