A shake up at No. 3 would impact Raiders
This has been a rollercoaster ride when it comes to forecasting the quarterback slotting in the early portion of this year’s NFL draft.
During last season and in the infant stages of the offseason draft process, it seemed like the top two quarterback prospects, Cam Ward of Miami and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado, would be off the board by the time the New York Giants select at No. 3.
But as the draft season moved along, the speculation that Sanders could drop with Ward penciled in at No. 1 to the Tennessee Titans. The Sanders factor, though, will have a direct impact at what the Las Vegas Raiders do at No 6.
If Sanders is available at No. 6, the Sanders, who have hosted him on a visit, and it could also affect other players available.
Now, there is speculation that the Giants actually could take Sanders at No. 3. For the sake of this exercise, let’s assume they do and see how it can affect what the Raiders do.
We have Ward going to Tennessee at No. 1, and either Colorado’s Travis Hunter or Penn State’s Abdul Carter going No. 2 to Cleveland. So, Sanders goes third and the New England Patriots would at either Hunter or Carter at No.4.
The Jacksonville Jaguars would then likely take LSU tackle Will Campbell or Mason defensive tackle Mason Graham with Graham being the likely pick.
That would leave the Raiders Campbell (or Graham), Boise State running Ashton Jeanty and other possible picks Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian and Missouri tackle Armond Membou.
The key is if the Raiders love Graham or Campbell or both. Sanders to the Giants should slide one of them to the sixth pick, which could benefit Las Vegas greatly.
Conclusion:
The Raiders remain in great shape at No. 6 and they have so much flexibility. including trading down a few spots to get a top target.