There’s been buzzing speculation about the Raiders possibly drafting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with their sixth overall pick. However, recent insights from NFL insiders suggest a major shift in focus.
Many analysts are turning their attention to the offensive and defensive lines. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has pointed out Armand Membou as a strong contender for the Raiders’ first round pick. Similarly, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer echoed this by naming multiple linemen as viable options for the team, even with Jeanty still available.
During a recent episode of the Breer Report, he noted the Raiders’ historical patterns and how recent leadership changes could influence their approach. “Looking at Pete Carroll’s past decisions and how he built his Seattle team, they have historically invested heavily in defensive linemen,” Breer said. He mentioned names like Mason Graham, Mykel Williams, and Will Campbell as potential picks, indicating a clear preference for linemen over skill position players.
As the draft approaches, the buzz around Jeanty is fading among insiders. This week, Vinny Bonsignore from Raider Nation Radio shared his thoughts, speculating that Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado quarterback, might still be on the board when the Raiders pick. Yet, he doesn’t believe they will choose him. Instead, Bonsignore thinks the team will lean towards other positions, possibly even selecting a quarterback like Ohio State’s Will Howard in a later round. Howard’s impressive performance during the NCAA Championship and his rapport with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly make him a candidate worth watching.
Draft projections change rapidly. In the past, players’ values often surged right before the big day, shifting team strategies. For instance, last year, several teams altered their plans after surprising performances in the weeks leading up to the draft. So, it’s essential to keep an eye on evolving insights.
With the growing preference for linemen, it will be interesting to see how the Raiders approach the draft. Their focus could redefine their lineup and impact their season. As fans and analysts alike wait with bated breath, we may witness surprising twists in the upcoming draft.
Stay tuned—this draft may hold more surprises than we expect.
For a deeper understanding of draft strategies and player evaluations, consider checking out this detailed report on NFL draft trends.