The Las Vegas Raiders must address multiple holes in their roster come draft day, particularly in the first round, where they require generational talent. Let’s see what the Ramble crew is drawing up for the Silver and Black.
As most fans are aware, Tom Telesco has a reputation for going with the “best player available” when it comes to his draft philosophy. That’s especially true in the early rounds. For the Raiders, this worked out brilliantly last year. The Raiders landed Georgia tight end Brock Bowers after all the quarterback-needy teams had taken all the big-name prospects off the board. This left Las Vegas with arguably the best offensive player who wasn’t a signal-caller.
Additionally, Telesco acquired two future starters for the offensive line, Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze, who both had significant moments this season. So, could Telesco strike two years in a row with such a bountiful haul? There are some intriguing scenarios that could take place in the first round.
Scenario No. 1 (@blackman_dalton): The Raiders get an explosive playmaker for their offense…
The Raiders, sitting outside the top five, have eliminated both top quarterbacks from consideration. Also, elite defensive players such as Will Johnson and Abdul Carter are unlikely to be there by the time Las Vegas is on the clock. At this point, the Raiders might as well grab one of the best available players who also happens to fill a significant need.
That player would be Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty is a true three-down back that can do it all. He has been extremely productive throughout his college career, thanks in large part to his elite contact balance. On top of being difficult to bring down, Jeanty also has outstanding vision. He will excel at the next level.
While running back may seem like a luxury pick for a team that was as mediocre as the Raiders were this season, it is arguably their biggest need outside of quarterback. The current group is simply insufficient. That is especially true if the Raiders are forced to run it back with Aiden O’Connell next year. They will need a strong running game led by a high-level back to take some pressure off the former Purdue quarterback as he heads into his third year.
Scenario No. 2 (@brockhoff55): You get the next best cornerback after Travis Hunter…
A few weeks ago, the Raiders were sitting as pretty as a two-win team could be. They were tied with the New York Giants for the worst record in the league, thus having an excellent chance at landing the first overall pick. Las Vegas has since aborted the tank, and the team actually managed a winning streak for the first time this season.
At the moment, the four-win Raiders have the eighth overall pick. With that selection, they’ll likely miss out on the likes of Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, the consensus top two quarterbacks in the class. In the eighth spot, the Raiders might aim to grab the best player available, and there’s a significant chance that player ends up being Will Johnson.
Not only would Johnson be one of the best available options, but he also fills a need on the Raiders’ roster. Las Vegas has encountered some challenges at the cornerback position in 2024. Jack Jones failed to build on his impressive 2023 season, and Decamerion Richardson is still adjusting to the NFL. Jakorian Bennett and Nate Hobbes have been solid, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add more talent in the room.
Johnson would do just that…
He already has the build of an NFL player, with a tall frame and a lot of length. He was one of the more scheme-versatile corners in the nation this year, able to play well in both man and zone coverage. He’s a patient corner, one that plays with anticipation yet looks in control of himself at all times. He could improve his defense against double moves. After all, he’s an aggressive corner who will seize any opportunity to intercept a pass. This aggressiveness can sometimes lead him into trouble.
Other times, he reacts too slowly to breaks and isn’t able to make up for it with a quick change of direction. However, an NFL level can coach these things effectively. In terms of pros and cons, the former heavily outweighs the latter when it comes to Johnson.
The only corner in this class that can compare to Johnson is Travis Hunter. Johnson also plays a position the Raiders already need to upgrade. He has the potential to be an NFL superstar cornerback and an instant impact player.
Scenario No. 3 (@TheTovarMario_): Raiders need to continue building up the trenches…
We get it; drafting offensive linemen in the first round is never “sexy.” However, there’s no point in drafting first-round quarterbacks if they’re going to be running for their lives on Sunday. If Aidan O’Connell (plus a veteran free agent signing) is your plan for 2025, you might as well pick the best offensive tackle in this year’s class: enter Kelvin Banks from Texas.
We are aware of Kolton Miller, who, despite early struggles, steadily improved and regained his form as this season progressed. However, this demonstrated the need for the Raiders to begin planning for the long term. During his collegiate career, Banks was exclusively a left tackle; the Raiders should consider taking him and potentially moving Miller to the right. Telesco is going to take the best player available, and you’ll have to make it work, regardless of who the head coach is. You can’t pass up on a future perennial Pro Bowler (and possible All-Pro) that’ll fortify your O-line for years.
At six-foot-four and over 320 pounds, Banks is a Day 1 starter from the outset. If you’re worried about Miller losing his spot, Banks has the potential to switch sides; he’s armed with the size, power, and athleticism to hold his own. On one hand, Banks can immediately assist the Raiders in re-establishing their power run identity. His lateral movement and feet enable him to be a formidable force in zone blocking, should the Raiders choose to utilize this strategy.
Considering that Banks’ ceiling is that of an All-Pro, you can’t pass him up. Sorry, Raider Nation.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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