Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek is a big believer in adding NFL draft picks.
The Raiders gave up a third-round draft pick to acquire Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. They originally had 10 draft picks but sent a third-rounder they received from the New York Jets in the Davante Adams’ trade.
On the “Upon Further Review” podcast, Spytek mentioned he loves “my picks more than anybody.” That said, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Raiders were wheeling and dealing during the upcoming three-day draft. Nine picks is plenty, but adding more is essential for the Raiders, especially when they are trying to improve after a 4-13 season.
For that to happen, the Raiders will have to trade players. Here are three Las Vegas players who could be traded:
OL Kolton Miller
Kolton Miller has been with the Raiders since 2018, when the team drafted him in the first round of the draft. Since then, he has been reliable for the Raiders, starting 107 games in 109 games played. Could the end be near for Miller, though?
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Miller’s absence from the team’s voluntary workouts while he awaits an extension.
Miller has been a big piece of the Raiders’ offensive line. Granted, he was coming off a shoulder injury in 2023, which might have played a role in some struggles last season, as he allowed eight sacks — the most he’s given up since he joined the Raiders, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic.
The Raiders’ offensive line was decent last season with Miller, but if Spytek decides to go in another direction, the Raiders would still have a competent line and could add another player through the draft to replace him.
QB Aidan O’Connell
In a story published by The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, he mentioned Aidan O’Connell could be on his way out and noted “many expect” the Raiders to try and trade him away for a pick on Day 3 of the draft.
Last season, O’Connell completed 154 of 243 passes for 1,612 yards and eight touchdowns against four interceptions.
O’Connell has a lot of upside, but he is more of a backup quarterback who can move the chains. He has shown he can shoulder the load, though, which is why other teams probably see value in him and why the Raiders could trade him.
DE Tyree Wilson
It has been a slow start for pass-rusher Tyree Wilson. Ever since he was drafted with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, getting to the quarterback has been a problem.
Eventually, he got a little better with the help of Maxx Crosby in the 2024 offseason, according to ESPN. In two seasons, he has eight sacks.
Wilson is expendable, and other teams may view him as a player who could grow and get better. He has the makings of it, which is why ESPN’s Adam Schefter listed Wilson as one of many players who could be moved during the draft.
If the Raiders can swing a deal and get a draft pick for Wilson, it would be a plus for Spytek since edge-rusher Malcolm Koonce is back from a season-ending torn ACL injury.
