Raiders draft: Could a trade down make sense?

Raiders can add some picks and maybe still get a top target

With the NFL draft coming up this month, the Las Vegas Raiders could do in several different directions in the first round.

They could stay put with the No. 6 overall pick or they could trade up or down in the round.

Trading down could be a real possibility if you look at the top of the draft, especially if the Raiders are sold on the top quarterback prospects, but still want a top offensive playmaker.

For the sake of this exercise, let’s look at a recent mock draft by NFL analyst Warren Sharp:

Let’s say the Raiders want to draft Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with their top pick and there is certainly reason to think that is a extremely plausible outcome.

Jeanty is considered a special talent and the Raiders have a big need for a new running back. New Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly want to run the ball and take pressure off of quarterback Geno Smith.

Adding talents like tight end Brock Bowers and Jeanty in the first round in back-to-back drafts could go a long way to reconstructing the Raiders’ offensive identity for the long haul.

So, yes, Jeanty makes sense for the Raiders. Yet, because running backs aren’t always top targets in the first half of the draft and because this year’s running back class is considered extremely strong, there may not be in a major rush to take Jeanty at No. 6.

Yes, it may be worth the risk for the Las Vegas to drop down in the draft and grab another quality draft pick. If the Raiders were to trade down to the No. 11-14 range, they should get, at least, one Day 3 pick and maybe more. That would allow the Raiders, who have nine picks (with six picks coming on Day Three) to keep fill some of their many holes.

Plus, a player like Jeanty should still be on the board, especially if the Raiders were to swing a deal with San Francisco for the No. 11 pick.

Looking Sharp’s mock, it’s likely Jeanty could easily slip to 11 and the Raiders get still get their target plus more.

Again, this is all a fluid situation, but this scenario could play out.