The NFL Draft is at the end of the month, and as we wind down, teams look to finalize what path they decide is best for them in the draft. Many teams look to fill needs for free agency, but some look to solve bigger problems with youth and players from the draft.
The Las Vegas Raiders look to turn their franchise around with minority owner Tom Brady becoming a lot more involved in bringing the Raiders back to relevancy, hiring Pete Carroll as the new head coach and Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator.
The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the sixth overall pick in the draft. In a very weak quarterback class, their trade for Geno Smith filled a much-needed hole at the quarterback position, especially after his two-year, $75 million contract. Now, the Raiders biggest needs are running back, wide receiver, offensive line, cornerback and linebacker.
Taking a deep look into this draft class in relation to the sixth pick, I have found four players I think the Raiders will seriously consider. Combining needs and draft stock, I view Ashton Jeanty, Tetairoa McMillan, Armand Membou and Will Johnson as my four favorite prospects in this year’s draft.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State: Jeanty is an absolute blue chip prospect guy after his historic junior season at Boise State. In 14 games for the Broncos, he ran for 2,601 yards on 374 carries, 29 touchdowns and an average of 6.9 yards per carry. Jeanty stands at 5’9” and weighs 211 pounds, being a great mix of speed and strength at his size. The thing that I admire the most about his playstyle is his very rare balance ability, earning comparisons to New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, who arguably has the best balance in the NFL. Jeanty’s playmaking ability to recognize running lanes and label defenders as eventual backfield threats is impressive and contributes to his ability to get out into open space consistently. He would be great for Las Vegas, as they finished last in the league in rushing with only 79.8 yards per game in 2024.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona: Standing at 6’4” and weighing 219 pounds, McMillan has a very prototypical jump ball build for a wide receiver and has been given comparisons to players like Mike Evens and Tee Higgins. In 12 games for Arizona in 2024, he caught 84 passes for 1,319 yards and eight TDs, averaging 15.7 yards per reception. Despite McMillan’s size, he is still excellent at getting separation, running a 4.48 official 40-yard dash, and has a very good ability of accelerating quickly and breaking down quickly on routes. He has excellent 50/50 ball skills, and with his strong hands he can outmuscle a defender on contested deep routes. His massive catch radius makes him a 3-level threat and can be beneficial for the Raiders, as having McMillan as a true WR1 threat on the team alongside TE Brock Bowers will make the Raiders passing game much more lethal.
Armand Membou, OL, Missouri: Membou has been one of the biggest draft risers of the past month, as his fantastic combine performance and his tenacity in the trenches has been catching the attention of NFL general managers. He is 6’4” and weighs in at 332 pounds, with 33 1/2” arms. His 2024 season was excellent, not allowing a sack in 411 pass-blocking snaps. Membou is a quick-footed right tackle with great athleticism from the tackle position is impressive, running a 4.91-second 40, having a 34” vertical and a 9’7” broad jump, he sits at the 94th percentile and up on all three. This helps move around on the line, and for a team with uncertainties at guard and RT, Membou could be a week one starter on the Raiders’ o-line.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan: Johnson is an excellent playmaker at the cornerback spot. In his three seasons at Michigan, he was a lockdown defender who took away one side of the field against offenses. Despite only playing six games in 2024, he finished his three PBUs and two INTs, both being pick sixes. I loved watching his film, as Will Johnson has top-tier close in speed to limit separation, create PBUs and undercut passes for an INT. When I look at Johnson, I see a player who is the ideal and most pro-ready corner, with good speed, length and instincts. For a team like the Raiders who lost a lot of key pieces in the secondary, Johnson could be a great pickup for an average-of-the-pack passing defense.
I think the Raiders’ best choice with the sixth pick is to pick Jeanty. I see the RB position as the biggest gap for Las Vegas, and Jeanty brings the Raider offense another young weapon alongside Brock Bowers. He will get to learn from veteran Raheem Mostert, who led the league in touchdowns with 18 in 2023, and helped with the development of 2024 breakout star RB De’Von Achane for the Dolphins. Jeanty will be a huge piece for new OC Chip Kelly and his versatility will help revitalize the Raiders into a competing team.