The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in an intriguing spot as they approach the upcoming NFL draft with the sixth overall pick. Many analysts have their eyes set on Ashton Jeanty, a promising running back, as a perfect addition to the Raiders roster.
After struggling with the worst running game in the NFL last season, combining Jeanty with Raheem Mostert could vault them into having one of the top-five running back rooms in the league. It’s a deep draft for running backs, so while they’re not locked in on Jeanty, the move makes a ton of sense, especially since Pete Carroll has taken the reins as head coach.
Carroll's main aim will be to create a supportive environment for quarterback Geno Smith, and while Jeanty won't necessarily bolster the passing game, he offers Smith a reliable option to ease the offensive load—handing the ball to a young, dynamic runner.
But as with any draft, flexibility is key, and Chris Trapasso throws a curveball in his latest mock draft on CBS Sports by suggesting a scenario where Jeanty isn't available. In such a case, Trapasso projects the Raiders would pivot to selecting Tetairoa McMillan, enhancing their offensive arsenal with a prototypical "X" receiver.
McMillan has been linked to the Raiders in the past, but seeing a scenario where Jeanty is off the board at No. 6 highlights the strategic depth the Raiders might need to employ. With the running back position deep with talent, quality options could be scooped up in later rounds—a strategy Trapasso believes the Raiders might adopt, predicting they won't pick a running back until the fourth round.
McMillan's potential impact on the Raiders offense can't be understated. Paired with Brock Bowers, they would form a formidable duo of big-bodied pass-catchers with the ability to transform any reception into a touchdown.
It’s a forward-thinking pick as well, addressing the Raiders' need for a dominant wide receiver presence in their long-term planning. Tre Tucker remains a part of their future considerations, but McMillan's upside is seen as significantly higher, adding to the excitement of how this receiving corps might evolve.
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