As the countdown to the NFL Draft narrows to just 14 days, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at a crucial crossroads. The conversation around their No. 6 overall pick is buzzing with potential.
Depending on who you ask, the Raiders are poised to snag either a blue-chip player or simply the best available in what some argue is a less-than-stellar draft class. Yet with two quarterbacks expected to go early, Las Vegas could land an elite prospect.
It's all speculation at this point, fueled by visits, needs, and hopes.
As the dust settles and the picture becomes clearer, three standout players could fill key roles for the Raiders. Here's a closer look at the prospects who should be on their radar in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft:
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Let's start with the flashy, bold choice. Picking a running back in the top 10 can be a gamble, but Ashton Jeanty is a different breed.
Watching him dance through defenses in games against Oregon, Washington State, and Penn State, you can't help but see shades of legendary players. His 64-yard touchdown sprint against Washington State was a highlight for the ages, evoking names like Alvin Kamara, Priest Holmes, and Marshawn Lynch with a unique blend of vision, balance, and agility.
While the position might not carry the weight it once did on draft day, Jeanty stands out as easily the best player available and addresses a glaring need for a lead back. If the Raiders aim to reshape their offense in a familiar, successful mold, Jeanty could be the cornerstone they need.
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Consider the power of a strong defensive line—a strategy that worked wonders for the Eagles in their Super Bowl run. While the Raiders boast a solid line, bringing in Mason Graham could elevate it to elite status.
Graham is a master of leverage with elite quickness, marking him as one of this year's top run defenders. His relentless energy and skill with active hands and kickstand technique make him a formidable force against double teams.
Drawing inspiration from Raiders legends like Howie Long, John Matuzak, and Lyle Alzado, snagging Graham could reignite the havoc-wreaking days of yore for Las Vegas' defensive front.
Jhadae Barron, CB, Texas
Cornerback is the most pressing need for the Raiders, and Jhadae Barron is a top solution in a shallow pool this draft. Although Will Johnson might seem like an appealing option for Pete Carroll's style, Barron fits the team's current needs like a glove. The 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner shines with his versatility in both inside and outside roles and is peerless in zone and off-man coverage.
He excels against the run, competes fiercely at the catch point, and boasts an instinctive awareness on the field. Think of Barron as the Devon Witherspoon to Christian Gonzalez comparison—versatile and slightly smaller, yet immensely impactful.
His adaptability, ranking him as the No. 7 overall player, might also catch Patrick Graham's eye. If the Raiders decide to address their most significant gap with the No. 6 pick, Barron would optimally fill that void, stepping in seamlessly for the likes of Jack Jones, Nate Hobbs, and Trevon Moehrig.
As the Raiders strategize on draft night, these players could very well be the game-changing additions needed to fortify and elevate the team’s future.
