With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching in less than a month, the Las Vegas Raiders face several roster voids they must address, with their premium No. 6 pick offering a golden opportunity to fill a critical need.
While one prospect has dominated conversations about the Raiders’ top selection, the front office should remain flexible regarding all potential candidates. Their calculated free agency moves have effectively masked their true intentions for the first round.
Las Vegas brought in quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, but this acquisition doesn’t guarantee they’ll bypass a top-tier quarterback should one become available.
Let’s analyze the premier options at No. 6 in descending order, beginning with the ideal prospect based on the Raiders’ needs and current roster construction.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders remains a long shot for the Raiders. The quarterback-needy Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants hold the top three draft positions. However, if Sanders somehow slides down the board, the Raiders should pounce at No. 6. Don’t expect the organization to place the 34-year-old Smith at the center of a five-year vision. Las Vegas would be wise to study the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback strategy.
Smith isn’t recovering from a torn Achilles like Kirk Cousins, but if he falters during his first two seasons, Sanders would be primed to take the reins. Among the most precise passers in college football over the past two years (71.8% completion rate), the Colorado standout has delivered remarkable numbers in a pro-style system despite lacking quality offensive line protection or a reliable ground game.
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Running back Ashton Jeanty
Ashton Jeanty appears to be the most likely selection, though Raiders drafts have historically taken unexpected directions for better or worse. Las Vegas isn’t obligated to make the first move on a running back in what analysts consider a deep class.
Nevertheless, general manager John Spytek can’t misstep with Jeanty. Draft experts universally regard him as the premier running back in this class with proven capability as a workhorse ball-carrier. The Boise State product led college football with 2,601 rushing yards last season.
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Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan
The Raiders haven’t executed any significant wide receiver acquisitions in free agency. They added Kyle Phillips, a rotational slot receiver who played under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly at UCLA.
Las Vegas could target dynamic playmaker Tetairoa McMillan, who maintained an impressive 16.1 yards per catch average during his three seasons at Arizona. He ranks as the top receiver on several draft boards. McMillan would complement tight end Brock Bowers in the passing attack while providing a long-term solution at the position as Jakobi Meyers enters the final year of his contract.
Related: NFL rumors suggest Las Vegas Raiders could still add another All-Pro receiver
Cornerback Will Johnson
Between the two Michigan prospects, cornerback Will Johnson offers more game-altering potential than defensive tackle Mason Graham relative to their positions. During his three seasons at Michigan, Johnson accumulated 10 pass breakups, nine interceptions, and three pick-sixes. It’s worth noting that when Pete Carroll last coached the Seahawks, they selected cornerback Devon Witherspoon with the No. 5 pick in the 2023 draft.
Best suited for zone coverage, Johnson should transition smoothly from college to Patrick Graham’s defensive system, which featured Cover 3 schemes last season.
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Defensive tackle Mason Graham
If the Raiders aim to establish dominance in the trenches, Graham represents the perfect choice at No. 6. He’s demonstrated steady improvement as a pass-rusher and could align beside Christian Wilkins thanks to his versatility.
Graham’s moderate pass-rushing statistics might not generate widespread enthusiasm. However, he arrives NFL-ready as a run defender. Additionally, his developmental ceiling will intrigue the Raiders, who understand that the most effective strategy against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes involves overwhelming him with a formidable defensive front.
Related: NFL defense rankings 2025: Evaluating best, worst defenses after NFL free agency, including Raiders
Offensive tackle Armand Membou
On the offensive side of the trenches, Armand Membou would slot in perfectly at right tackle. While DJ Glaze displayed promise on the right side last season, outperforming Thayer Munford Jr. for the starting role, Membou’s athletic profile gives him Pro Bowl potential.
Following an exceptional showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, Membou has watched his draft stock climb steadily. Bleacher Report scout Brandon Thorn and ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Jordan Reid have all ranked the Missouri product as the premier tackle in this year’s class. Membou brings 30 collegiate starts at right tackle to the table.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 NFL Draft plans could still involve a shocking selection at No. 6
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
