Reporter names potential Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick amid connections to Tom Brady and Maxx Crosby, he’s ‘one to watch’

Mason Graham ‘one to watch’ for the Raiders

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty will be incredibly appealing to the Raiders.

Marshawn Lynch was a wrecking ball under Carroll with the Seattle Seahawks, and Jeanty could be a similar kind of threat out of the backfield.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has now raised another name, suggesting that Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham is ‘one to watch.

Fowler highlighted that Graham not only had a ‘lengthy video call’ with Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard, but also spoke with pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

Crosby being involved in the call tells us a lot about how highly the Raiders must think of Graham, and the pair could be teammates moving forward.

Fowler also noted that Tom Brady and John Spytek have connections to Graham given their Michigan ties.

Investor Brady and general manager Spytek formed a strong bond with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and both graduated from Michigan.

Brady and Spytek will certainly still have connections at Michigan to obtain the inside track on Graham, making him a potential selection with the sixth overall pick.

“The Raiders have also been linked to Jeanty, but the Mason Graham connection could be one to watch at No. 6, too,” said Fowler.

“The Michigan ties run deep with Graham, general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady.

“And Graham’s lengthy video call with defensive line coach Rob Leonard featured a special cameo: Maxx Crosby,” he added.

Offensive line a possibility for the Raiders

Fowler added that other teams around the NFL believe the Raiders could bolster their offensive line with the sixth pick.

Kelvin Banks Jr. and Armand Membou are two of the top options at that stage, with the New England Patriots expected to select Will Campbell.

“I talked to teams Sunday and Monday that still think offensive tackle (perhaps Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. or Missouri’s Armand Membou) will ultimately be considerations for Las Vegas, too,” said Fowler.

Graham could easily be off the board when the Raiders make their selection but he figures to be in the conversation alongside Jeanty if he makes it to number six.