Can the Las Vegas Raiders and general manager John Spytek pass on Ashton Jeanty if he falls to the No. 6 pick? More importantly, should they? The Raider Ramble explores the issue.
Should Ashton Jeanty be the pick for the Raiders (if he’s available)?
Dalton Blackman | @blackman_dalton
The Raiders selecting Jeanty sixth overall would be akin to drafting Michael Huff seventh. Sure, the Raiders would be getting an excellent football player. If the Raiders were picking in the low teens, it would be a fantastic pick. Sixth overall? The value is just not there.
While Jeanty will be good, you can only justify taking a running back that high if they have the elite physical profile of a Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, or Derrick Henry. Jeanty simply does not possess those traits. The only way the Raiders could justify this pick is if both quarterbacks, Travis Hunter, Will Johnson, and Abdul Carter, are all off the board. Even then, they should consider trading down.
Trevis Dampier Jr. | @trevisjay_
If Jeanty is available at six, he still should not be the Raiders pick. What the team has not had for a long time is a generational defensive back. The best linebacker in the draft could also be an option. The Boise State alum would be a star at the running back position, but there are glaring holes that are far more important. Adding Will Johnson to the cornerback room solidifies Las Vegas as a top defensive team. Because the starting linebackers are currently Elandon Roberts and Devin White, adding another linebacker could further strengthen the defense. A quality running back will be available in rounds two and three.
Mario Tovar | @TheTovarMario
If we are being honest, it will depend on what happens with the first five picks. If Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is not selected in the top five, Spytek should consider taking him. Even with Geno Smith’s extension, you still build around a quarterback—the Raiders haven’t been able to do that since, well, never actually. If both Sanders and Cam Ward are gone, but Jeanty is available, you might as well repeat last year’s scenario and draft the best player available.
Alex Monfreda | @AlexMonfreda
Should the Raiders draft Ashton Jeanty at six? Let me make this short and sweet: Yes, yeah, and absolu-freakin’-lutely.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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