Now that their main pieces are in place, in terms of new head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Spytek, the Las Vegas Raiders’ focus turns to the roster and how to improve this team going into next season. Nailing the NFL Draft will be crucial for the franchise this year, and while many expect the team to target a quarterback, another position could be looked at as well.
The Raiders ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing yards last season, so getting a boost in the run game is a necessity. One of the most talented players in the entire draft is Boise State running back and Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty.
In discussing the potential draft range for Jeanty, Field Yates appeared on ESPN’s First Draft and said that the Raiders with the sixth overall pick is the highest he could see the talented running back being selected:
“Yesterday on ESPN Bet Live they asked me what the range was for Ashton Jeanty, the fourth-highest rated player on my board, and I said the earliest I could see him going was the [Las] Vegas Raiders, the latest would be about where he goes in my mock draft.”
In terms of the Raiders actually taking Jeanty, however, Yates wouldn’t be a fan of the move despite loving him as a player, as he feels the Raiders’ focus must be on fixing the quarterback spot:
“I love the player Mel, love the player. Pete Carroll of course loves to run the football, running backs are having a moment. I would be so disappointed if they took Ashton Jeanty. Not because he isn’t a great player. Not because he wouldn’t help them right away, I think he would be the early favorite to be the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. When was the last time we felt good about the Raiders quarterback situation? Great about the Raiders quarterback situation? This team needs to be looking for answers at the spots that are hardest to find them. They had a great running back in Josh Jacobs. The guy led the NFL in rushing yards a couple years ago. How’d they do? Not great, right? I want this team to value the premium positions that have proven to be, not just the ones that influence winning the most, but also the ones that prove to be the hardest to replace. That is what I’m looking for from the Las Vegas Raiders this season, this specific draft.”
Yates is spot on in that the Raiders’ top priority must be finding a quarterback. If Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward is there for them at no. 6, or they need to move up to secure one, then that is the move to make. If the Raiders go another route, however, and address quarterback via free agency or a trade, Jeanty would be an excellent choice.
The Boise State star was unbelievable this season, averaging over 185 yards per game for the Broncos and finishing the season with 2,601 yards on the ground and 29 touchdowns.
Raiders interested in signing QB Sam Darnold?
One option for the Raiders at quarterback could be Sam Darnold, who enjoyed a career year with the Minnesota Vikings this past season and is the top free-agency option at the position this offseason.
A recent report noted the Raiders could be interested in signing Darnold this offseason, though it won’t be cheap. Darnold was a Pro Bowler, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 regular-season record while throwing for 4,319 yards and 39 touchdowns.
