Former ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay released his third mock draft of the offseason on Thursday, and he didn’t venture far from what many other mock drafts have been predicting for the Raiders with the sixth pick.
McShay’s first five picks weren’t far off from what others have been saying, either…
Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, quarterback, University of Miami
Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, University of Colorado
New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalon Walker, Edge, University of Georgia
Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
McShay said every team he has talked to has a ‘top six’ grade on Jeanty and some have him in the top three.
“Jeanty is one of the five highest-graded football players in this draft, and Pete Carroll would love to have a more modern Raiders version of Beast Mode. Every team I’ve talked to has given Jeanty a top-six grade in this class—and many have him in the top three,” McShay reported on Thursday.
“His ability to generate yards on his own as a runner is well-documented and nothing short of remarkable. But I also see shades of Alvin Kamara when studying Jeanty’s receiving tape. He has soft hands and can transition upfield in a flash on outlets, screens, and swings. A true every-down dynamic player to pair in the backfield with new quarterback Geno Smith would give this Raiders offense a desperately needed shot in the arm.”
Rounding out the top 10 picks, McShay added a bit of a surprise with Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart being taken ahead of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Carolina Panthers: Mason Graham, DT, University of Michigan
New Orleans Saints: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Chicago Bears: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Considering Jeanty’s talent and the presence of Pete Carroll in Las Vegas, no one would be surprised if the Raiders decide to add Jeanty to fill one of the biggest needs on the roster.
But with so many signs pointing to Jeanty, is there a chance the decision makers in Vegas are simply trying to drum up trade interest?
The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen thinks that might be what’s happening and suggested the Bears would be a logical trade partner for the Raiders if Jeanty is available with the sixth pick.
“I think if there’s a team that would come up for Jeanty, it would be the Bears. They’re not too far off [with pick] 10,” Nguyen said on the Just Win podcast. “And I think maybe all this signaling and leaks that they like Jeanty or whatever could be an incentive to try to get the Bears to trade up.”
Just something to think about with the draft now just two weeks away.
x: @raidersbeat
They don’t need a rb in the first rd. If Saunders isn’t their, take a wr.
RaiderFan60 huh?? They don’t need a running back in the first round.mattison had 420 Ameer had 311. We finished 29th out of 32 teams. Your uber to your Mensa class just pulled up.
There not their.
The draft will be very interesting for the Raiders. Jeanty will get paid maybe too much to take him 6th based on the guarenteed amount he will get at that pick. Draft is deep in RB’s and light on true blue chippers. I see maybe a trade back from 6 which will be very valuable to some teams on draft day. More picks to fill holes might be best way to roll.