Comparing draft hauls if the Raiders do or don’t take the Boise State running back in round one
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s plenty of debate about whether or not the Raiders should take Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in the first round.
Running back is one of the Raiders’ biggest needs heading into the draft and Jeanty is the top back in the class. However, it’s also arguably the deepest position group in the draft and taking a running back that high is a low-value selection analytically, sparking the controversy.
To help settle the debate, below are a couple of mock drafts to get an idea of what the Raiders’ haul would be if they do and do not take Jeanty. The one rule is a running back must be selected within the first four rounds to address the need. Both drafts were done using Pro Football Focus’ Mock Draft simulator and with PFF’s default settings.
Jeanty Round 1
1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Obviously, there isn’t a big decision here as we’re locked into taking Jeanty. But what is interesting is one scenario had the Browns taking Travis Hunter and the other sent Shedeur Sanders to Cleveland, leaving the door open that a quarterback could fall to the Raiders. Other players to consider are LSU’s Will Campbell, Texas’ Jahdae Barron and Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan.
2. Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
There wasn’t much variance in the two scenarios as a lot of the same players were available. To keep things consistent, Las Vegas will have the same second-round pick in this exercise.
3. Andrew Mukuba, S, Clemson
The Raiders need help at free safety too, making Mukuba a potential Week 1 starter as a rookie. The defense also could have added South Carolina’s Demetrius Knight Jr. to fill the need for a starting linebacker, but the depth of the linebacker class compared to the safety class was the deciding factor.
4. Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon
Las Vegas lands its linebacker here as Bassa has the potential to be an every-down contributor at the next level. This scenario is shaking out where the team can address several needs with potential starters who aren’t reaches.
5. Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
6 (180). Seth McLaughlin, IOL, Ohio State
6 (213). Ty Robinson, DL, Nebraska
6 (215). Jordan Hancock, DB, Ohio State
7. Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State
Not Jeanty Round 1
Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
1. Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Again, taking Barron, McMillan and even Michigan’s Will Johnson were options here as well. While the Raiders don’t have an immediate need at left tackle, Kolton Miller is entering a contract year and the offense could use help at guard. Campbell could play on the inside next season and then take over for Miller as the blind side protector moving forward.
2. Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
There were plenty of running backs still available at this spot, but all would have been reaches at pick 37 since ASU’s Came Skattebo was the highest-ranked back on the board as the 51st prospect for PFF.
3. Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
The board finally lined up for the Raiders to address their need at running back and maintain draft value. Sampson ranks 55th overall, so getting him with the 68th pick would be a great return for the Silver and Black.
4. Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA
Bassa was also available here but, to mix it up a bit, the Raiders go for the better value by taking the 60th player on PFF’s board with the 108th pick. Oladejo is a bit of a project but has a high ceiling, so a scenario where he sits behind Malcolm Koonce for a year could be perfect.
5. Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
In this scenario, Etienne would be a good complement to Sampson as the pass-catching or third down back.
6 (180). Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
6 (213). Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA
6 (215). Konata Mumpfield, WR, Pittsburgh
7. R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson
So, which draft haul do you like more? Vote in the poll below and sound off in the comments section with your rationale.
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