Many seem to believe there won’t be much trade activity at this year’s NFL Draft, alluding to the format due to the current crisis. But we all know it only takes one mega-trade to send shockwaves around the league, would the Las Vegas Raiders consider it?
Rarely in history do mega draft trades work in the NFL, to give up so much capital for just one player doesn’t make much business sense. Personally, I remember the Saints trading away the farm for running back Ricky Williams, which set the franchise back for years and the Raiders’ position in this year’s draft provides them the opportunity to move up or down depending on who’s available. In other words, they control their destiny.
The question is whether general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden would entertain the thought of picking a generational player if the situation arose. The one prospect in this draft other than the quarterbacks would be former Ohio State EDGE Chase Young.
Related: Top 16 EDGE draft prospects
Raiders Blog: Mega Trade For A Mega Player?
It’s easy for analysts to deem a player this or that. However, Young might be the exception as Josh Schrock of NBC Sports said, “the Ohio State edge rusher is a better prospect than both Nick and Joey Bosa were coming out of Ohio State.” That’s saying a lot, considering how well the Bosa brothers have done in the NFL. Schrock also alluded to the Redskins and the number two pick, which he believes the team would be dumb to not use on Young.
Give Up The Farm?
For the Raiders to even have a chance, the Dolphins would have to move up to the second pick and take quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. That’s where Schrock laid out the “dream scenario” in which Raiders brass gives up the 12th, 19th, 81st, and a future first-rounder for the third pick, which currently belongs to the Lions.
Would a game-changing pass rusher be worth the most important part of your whole draft haul? It depends on your point of view. If you’re rational, no. The Raiders have too many holes that could be filled with great talent and without having to part ways with draft picks. In spite of that, imagine a Paul Guenther defense (with Rod Marinelli coaching the defensive line) with this potential acquisition? Arden Key would be out without a doubt, which could be an upgrade depending on who you talk to. Picture this, Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell, Maliek Collins, Carl Nassib, Maurice Hurst Jr., and Young? I think I can sum this up with one GIF.
You’re welcome, Raider Nation.
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