Although many Las Vegas Raiders fans want either Shedeur Sanders or Ashton Jeanty, both of these players could be unavailable for the Silver and Black to pick sixth. How are things shaping up as the NFL draft nears?
For Sanders, we’ve all seen the news of Russell Wilson taking his services to New York, specifically, the Giants. Could these developments indicate that Sanders is not being considered for the No. 3 pick? They also picked up Jameis Winston, which further muddies the quarterback picture. Still, Sanders would be able to learn from some intriguing characters if the Giants still picked him up.
Then there’s Ashon Jeanty, the prolific college running back who has divided Raider Nation over the simple question of whether to draft his position in the first round. However, it’s possible that the Raiders will lose out on Jeanty before their turn.
The Cleveland Browns could draft Shedeur Sanders…
The consensus is that the Tennessee Titans will draft Cam Ward first overall. Where questions arise is with the second overall pick—which belongs to the Cleveland Browns. Abdul Carter is a generational talent, but an edge rusher is an unimportant need for the Browns. Obviously, Myles Garrett could use help, but there are glaring needs on the roster. According to breakout star Jerry Jeudy, the team needs a quarterback.
If Jeudy’s right, the outcome would likely mean Sanders is taken with the second pick. Deshaun Watson will be returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon but was not successful before either. Watson finished 2024 with one win, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. It appears that Cleveland does not have confidence in the former Pro Bowler.
Is it “Ashton Jeanty or bust” for the Raiders?
If Sanders is taken with the second overall pick, why wouldn’t the Giants then consider drafting a running back? Their current lead back is Tyrone Tracy Jr., but that shouldn’t stop them from selecting a generational talent. Still, defenders like Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter could significantly impact their roster.
The Patriots are also unlikely to draft the Boise State back. They just signed Rhamondre Stevenson to a four-year, $36 million deal. At No. 4, New England will likely target someone to support Drake Maye’s development—either an offensive lineman or a receiver like Hunter or Tetaiora McMillan.
The biggest question mark is at No. 5. Will the Jaguars search for help in the backfield? Jacksonville had the seventh-worst rushing offense in 2024, and neither Travis Etienne nor Tank Bigsby proved reliable. This pick could also become a trade target for teams looking to jump ahead of Las Vegas.
The Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Denver Broncos are top candidates to trade up. Dallas and Chicago badly need running back reinforcements, while Denver, a run-heavy division rival, may be eyeing Jeanty. If any of them move up, it will be specifically to draft him.
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