The Raiders have been linked repeatedly to Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in the draft, and whether they draft him in the first round or not, it has become apparent that the decision makers in Las Vegas are prepared to take a big swing on a running back between now and the start of the season.
According to Sports Illustrated insider Hondo Carpenter, the Raiders made an effort in the last few weeks to make a trade with Seattle for their star running back.
“You may remember, I talked to you about the fact, they were trying to trade for a running bag. And word kind of leaked and eventually got out. It was Kenneth Walker,” Carpenter said on the Las Vegas Raiders Insider podcast. “There was another one as well that hasn’t leaked. So we’ll leave that off the table, but they’re being aggressive.”
As of now, the notable names on the Raiders’ roster at running back are Sincere McCormick, Zamir White and newly acquired veteran Raheem Mostert.
Mostert it 32 years old and on the downside of his career while White and McCormick are both relatively unproven. White played well to close out the 2023 season but fell off significantly in Luke Getsy’s offense. McCormick looked dynamic at times before his 2024 season was ended by an ankle injury.
It’s no secret that head coach Pete Carroll places heavy value on the running back position, so whether it happens by means of a trade or the draft, the Raiders will probably make a significant move at running back before the 2025 season is underway.
Jeanty is the player everyone is talking about, but it’s worth noting that Raiders’ GM John Spytek referenced the depth at the running back position in this year’s draft. Jeanty might be a rare talent at the running back position, but with the draft being so deep at the position, will Spytek and company be inclined to get the top RB on their board (whether that’s Jeanty or someone else) or wait for a value pick later in the draft?
For what it’s worth, the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vinny Bonsignore said last month that the addition of Geno Smith raises the odds Ashton Jeanty will end up in Las Vegas.
x: @raidersbeat
Mostert is old and injurious and Walker is injurious. What does that say about our illustrious GM and his boss Brady? Reeks ok incompetence.
Bring Mayock back.
I suppose u want loser Chucky back, as well?SMH
NO. Gruden was the problem. Mayock was his puppet. And if you don’t get that, then you have no clue at all. All you need to do is look at acquiring Antonio Brown. If you think Mayock ever wanted him on the team, you’re high as a kite.
If Davis would’ve kept Bacaccia and Mayock. We would’ve already developed a solid football team.
Maybe, he was a puppet. But, unless one was part of the organization we really don’t know. I do remember Mayock talking up the Leatherwood selection when most had him as a 2nd rd value. The fact that he never earned another GM gig raises doubts that other organizations even think he was worthy of the Raiders gig. He should have never excepted the gig of puppet GM.
I agree Vincent, Ashton jeanty is a home run. Ashton at 6 sealed. This will take pressure off smith. Let’s trade Mayer for a Hendon hooker or another back up. There are a few wide receivers out there that we all know Cooper and 3rd and Renfro. Get it done general spytek.
Too much RB talent in this draft for them to take Jeanty so high. The only way they should draft him, in the first rd, is if they trade down and pick up some extra picks. Either of the Ohio St. rb’s will fill our rb need, plus we can get them in the 2 or possibly 3rd rd. I like Tahj Brooks from Texas Tech, he has good lateral movement, field vision, and adequate speed. Watching him play reminds me of Josh Jacobs, as he often makes the first defender miss the tackle. I’m of the opinion that taking any rb with the #6 pick is way too early.
I like McCormick as he looked very good running behind that porous OL last season, until the injury. Hoping he gets a shot at the gig.
Agreed. I’m not against drafting one late. But if we expect to keep whoever is under center healthy the OL needs serious attention in this draft let alone any run game.
Totally agree. The OL is being neglected so far, just like last year. Hoping they at least draft a starting quality guard. Our tackles are mid talent guys. Maybe Glaze shows improvement next season?
Banking on Glaze to lock down either T spot is like playing Russian roulette. He was solid against the run. Struggled in pass protection. He can’t get low to set a base. On film Miller had his worst season and he’s in a contract year. And old. I think heavy OT in the draft. Maybe someone that was a T in college that can learn inside and move outside.
Lots of passionate opinion on here today and some really good arguments for and against certain people at certain picks. For me at pick 6 and my opinion is it’s never too early to draft a star ⭐. Yes lots of good running backs in this year’s draft but no one like Jeanty!! As a matter of fact no one in the history of college football has had a year like he did last year and that my friends is worth remembering. I actually like the kid from Arizona State because of his demeanor is a natural Raider player to me. I also like the Ohio State backs as well. Also the kid out of Michigan. So many talented backs in the draft but only one Jeanty. So make your move!!!