Seven-round Raiders mock draft: Raiders secure elite talent on all three days

The NFL Draft is just days away, and Las Vegas Raiders fans are clamoring to see who their team is bringing in to the fold.

The sixth overall pick has become a point of contention in recent weeks. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has seemed like the safe bet, but recent developments have caused new names to arise in the conversation. With the Raiders hoping for a quick retool, it is critical for new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek to nail the three days of the draft.

With that said, here are some ideas on who the Raiders are going after, including one big surprise on Day Three.

Round 1 (sixth overall): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

While Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou have warranted consideration, the smoke around Jeanty is too much to be considered a simple smokescreen.

With the Raiders having the worst rushing game in the league last season and Carroll’s teams usually thriving with a strong running back leading the way offensively, Jeanty makes too much sense, even with a top-ten draft pick. A team like the Chicago Bears or Dallas Cowboys could make a trade up, but a move of that magnitude for a running back is still considered bad optics. With a lot of needs on the roster, the Raiders ultimately go the route of best player available, and Jeanty is expected to hold that title by the time the team is on the clock.

Sometimes, the obvious move is truly the correct one.

Round 2 (37th overall): Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Jack Jones’s departure has the Raiders’ cornerback room looking suspect and, with the talent dropping off after the first few tiers of prospects, it is critical to secure one on Day Two.

A player who profiles similarly to Jones, Hairston took a top-30 visit with the Raiders and could be exactly what the team is looking for. Despite missing time this past season with a shoulder injury, Hairston’s hyper-competitive nature is sure to strike a chord with Carroll, and his aggression and football IQ are perfect for the zone-heavy defense of Patrick Graham. His slender frame could mean he is projected as a slot cornerback at the NFL level, but the Raiders need one after the departure of Nate Hobbs in free agency.

Hairston is not a perfect solution for all of the problems the Raiders have in the secondary, but he makes for an excellent starting point.

Round 3 (68th overall): Savion Williams, WR, TCU

With new quarterback Geno Smith likely to air the ball out more, another deep threat for the Raiders makes perfect sense.

There are some traits of Williams that require development, as his tendency to catch with his body and penchant for drops are major sticking points. However, he also possesses the size-speed profile that scouts love, and he has the potential to emerge as a solid route runner with time. There were also reports suggesting Williams was asked to take some drills at running back, which could lead to Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly seeing him as a jumbo Deebo Samuel and allowing them to put the ball in his hands easier.

Williams has a high ceiling, but his floor could scare teams off and lead to a great deal for the Raiders here.

TRADE: Raiders trade QB Aidan O’Connell and Pick 108 to Miami Dolphins for CB Jalen Ramsey and Pick 155

Why not start Saturday of the draft with a bang?

The news of Jalen Ramsey hitting the trade market should be of clear interest to the Raiders, who still need a top cornerback. Meanwhile, the Dolphins might not be comfortable with their quarterback situation, as Tua Tagovailoa has a disturbing concussion history and the team has no clear backup behind him. Swapping Ramsey for O’Connell, as well as a fourth for a fifth, ensures that both teams walk away with their needs fulfilled and keep their draft capital in good health.

With Ramsey and Hairston in the fold, cornerback goes from a weakness to an underrated strength.

Round 5 (143rd overall): Will Howard, QB, Ohio State

O’Connell’s trade means the Raiders must now find a backup quarterback, and few options stand out at this juncture more than a familiar face.

Kelly and Howard teamed up to carry Ohio State to the national championship, so he already knows the type of offense the Raiders are hoping to run. What Howard lacks in pure arm talent, he makes up for by being able to get the ball out of his hands quickly and finding his top receivers in open space. He’s a strong choice for a backup option, giving the Raiders stability as they plan out their next moves under center.

The Raiders hope Howard does not have to reprise O’Connell’s role and step in due to ineffectiveness, but he does project nicely as a spot starter if the need arises.

Round 5 (155th overall, from Miami): Jalen Rivers, OT, Miami

Ironically, the Miami pick the Raiders got back in the Ramsey trade goes to a Miami product.

Rivers may not possess the fluidity of movement of a traditional offensive tackle, but he can move inside if need be and maintain a high floor. Rivers projects as a strong run-blocker, using his impressive mass and strength to keep defensive linemen occupied and open up gaps. The injury history ensure Rivers is likely remaining as a Day Three selection, but he projects well for what the Raiders are looking for.

Rivers is a fine choice to serve as a reserve offensive lineman, ensuring depth is not a problem at such a physical position.

Round 6 (180th overall): Vernon Broughton, DT, Texas

With the first of three sixth-round picks the Raiders have, the team continues to get stronger in the trenches.

Somewhat lost due to an elite Longhorns defense, Broughton has the opportunity to be a tremendous value pick for the Raiders. His elite length and first step give Graham and defensive line coach Rob Leonard some tools to work with, but the lack of reps shows sometimes in Broughton’s tape. With good development, Broughton can maximize his physical advantages and become a nice rotational run-stuffer.

Injuries ravaged the defensive line last year, and the Raiders selecting Broughton ensures that same problem does not hurt them too badly.

Round 6 (213th overall): Ricky White III, WR, UNLV

How fitting it would be for the team to break UNLV’s drought in the NFL Draft to be the team whose backyard they now play in.

White is more than just a sentimental pick, however, as the Raiders are acutely aware of the legitimate playmaking ability White has showcased. While some problems do shine through (drops, lack of elite explosiveness, etc.), White managed to produce at a high level over the last two seasons. His calling card early, however, will be on special teams, and his penchant for returns and blocking punts could lead him to a role similar to former New England Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater (minority owner Tom Brady might know a thing or two about that kind of value).

With Williams drafted, the pressure is off of White to produce offensively, instead focusing on becoming a dynamic special teams player in his rookie year with the potential for more down the line.

Round 6 (215th overall): Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland

Waiting until Day Three to draft a linebacker is a bit risky, but that is how the board ultimately falls here.

Hyppolite does possess some fun qualities, however, showing nice versatility as a downhill run-stuffer and cover linebacker. However, his lack of strength could make it a challenge early on, so Hyppolite will definitely need time in an NFL weight room. However, his tackling ability and willingness to charge towards the ball carrier should give him some special teams snaps early on.

On Day Three, going for the depth pieces with good traits is never a bad idea.

Round 7 (222nd overall): Joe Huber, G, Wisconsin

Similar to Rivers, Huber offers some unique versatility that the Raiders would not mind having on their offensive line.

With several snaps at both guard spots as well as right tackle, Huber has also shown the ability to play center if need be. His wrestling background allows him to keep a sturdy anchor in both run and pass blocking, playing to the whistle and always finishing his blocks. Some technical improvements are necessary, but Huber offers good flexibility and can emerge as a valuable backup all along the offensive line.

Huber means the Raiders double-dip on offensive line, but the threat of injuries at such a physical position negates that nitpick.