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Holding the No. 6 pick, Vegas could choose to go in a number of directions. Let’s highlight a few potential candidates for the Raiders with their first-round pick:
RB Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
Vegas didn’t do much well offensively last year, but they especially struggled on the ground. Week 1 starter Zamir White finished the year with a putrid 2.8 YPC. The team’s leading rusher ended up being veteran Alexander Mattison who rushed for 420 yards — good for 53rd in the NFL. Running backs aren’t typically taken this early in the draft. Teams around the NFL usually invest in other positions in this range. However, we’ve seen a few teams find success taking an early RB — think Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs or Atlanta with Bijan Robinson. Boise State’s Jeanty is a rare talent. Pairing Jeanty with TE Brock Bowers gives Vegas the chance to have two elite players on the offensive side of the ball.
WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)
If the Raiders decide it’s a bit early for a RB, but are still interested in grabbing a playmaker, Arizona’s Tet McMillan should be the pick. The 6-foot-4 wideout is a physical marvel with the tools to become an elite pass catcher. McMillan’s combination of size and speed doesn’t come around often. He didn’t run at the combine, but McMillan reportedly clocked in a 4.48 40-yard dash at Arizona’s pro day. If he pans out, McMillan would give the Raiders a big target who can consistently win on the perimeter. It’s an obvious need for a team that already has two great options who typically lineup closer to the slot in Bowers and former Patriot WR Jakobi Meyers.
DT Mason Graham (Michigan)
This draft class is particularly deep at wide receiver and running back. There should be plenty of them to choose from in the middle rounds. While the Raiders will eventually need to address both positions, more than anything they need to add elite, blue-chip players to the roster. There’s a chance Mason Graham slips to pick No. 6, and he would be a home run pick if he’s still on the board. Graham was a game-wrecker for Michigan’s defensive line, and was impossible to block for stretches of his career. Adding him to Vegas’ defensive front would create a dominate group. Graham and Christian Wilkins in the middle with All-Pro Maxx Crosby on the edge would be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
CB Jahdae Barron (Texas)
With Carroll in tow, there’s always a chance the Raider choose to add to the secondary. Carroll is known for his ability to develop defensive backs. The best in the class is arguably two-way star Travis Hunter, who is unlikely to be available when the Raiders are on the clock. Draft experts seem to be split on the next best DB. Some prefer Michigan’s Will Johnson due to his physical profile. However, Texas’ Jahdae Barron is flying up boards. The versatile defender lined up all over the field for the Longhorns, and is instinctual in pass coverage in addition to being a strong tackler. He turned heads running a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. This might be a bit of a “reach” according to mock drafts, but Barron is a game-changer who could transform Vegas’ defensive backfield.
QB Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
Trading for Smith possibly signaled the Raiders aren’t enthused with the options at QB in the draft. However, it also could mean they prefer to have a steady, veteran presence on the roster and still intend on adding a rookie into the mix. If Sanders is still on the board at No. 6, a discussion must be had among Vegas’ top decision-makers (Carroll, GM John Spytek, and partial owner Tom Brady). As a QB, Sanders is extremely accurate, a quick processor, and poised under pressure. This archetype has always found success in the NFL. Smith will be 35 in October. They’ll need a succession plan at some point. If everything pans out in Year 1 under Carroll, they won’t be picking this high next year. Get Sanders in the building learning under Smith and OC Chip Kelly as soon as possible.
