Raiders seriously connected to top draft prospect

The Geno Smith trade changed the entire draft equation for the Las Vegas Raiders.

For the longest time, the Raiders drafting a quarterback in the first round seemed like a foregone conclusion. With Smith now on the roster, however, plans have changed dramatically. While it is still expected the Raiders will draft a signal-caller come April, they now have the flexibility to attack other positions during the draft.

However, another option is beginning to become an equally strong consensus for the sixth overall pick.

The Raiders are starting to be linked heavily to a top prospect.

According to several recent mock drafts, a similar selection is popping up for the Raiders at six: Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.

“There’s been legitimate smoke tying Ashton Jeanty to the Raiders throughout this process and I could see the old-school [Raiders head coach Pete] Carroll pulling the trigger,” said The Draft Network’s Justin Melo. “The offense finished dead last in rushing last season, averaging just 79.8 rushing yards per game. That will not appease Carroll, who believes in establishing the run. Jeanty would offer Chip Kelly’s offense a legitimate three-down workhorse in the backfield for Smith to lean on.”

Melo is far from the only draft analyst having the Raiders select the talented running back, however.

“The Raiders secured their quarterback of the near future, trading a third round pick for Geno Smith, and they add more offensive firepower with Ashton Jeanty,” wrote The 33rd Team’s James Foster. “Jeanty is a complete three-down back who’s a chore to bring down.”

When this many mock drafts contain the same result, it feels more and more as though Jeanty becoming a Raider is inevitable.

In fairness, Jeanty does line up with Carroll’s philosophy as a head coach. While the Raiders did sign Raheem Mostert in free agency, Carroll’s offenses have typically revolved around strong running games. Adding Jeanty to the equation gives Carroll his latest version of Reggie Bush and Marshawn Lynch.

According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Raiders apparently do see the fit as much as the analysts do.

“The Raiders, meanwhile, are certainly not done adding offensive weaponry to build around all-world rookie tight end Brock Bowers, and with the No. 6 pick in the draft, there is a contingent of Ashton Jeanty supporters within the organization,” wrote Schultz.

“In Marshawn Lynch, Carroll has already had tremendous success with a dominant, physically imposing running back. Perhaps Jeanty will be next.”

A running back has not been drafted in the top ten picks since the New York Giants drafted Saquon Barkley second overall in 2018. The Raiders and Jeanty could very well buck that trend.