The Infinite Possibilities at Pick 6 for the Raiders

Setting the Stage: What Could the Raiders Do?

Most draft experts seem to believe Ashton Jeanty could be the obvious choice at No. 6. Not only would he likely be the best player available at that spot, but the recent hiring of Pete Carroll as head coach draws some easy comparisons to Carroll’s success with Marshawn Lynch in Seattle. The thought process makes sense: give Carroll a workhorse back and let him build from there.

But the real question is — how close are the Raiders to being a legitimate contender?

Is Running Back Really the Right Move?

With an aging Geno Smith under center and very few elite pieces around him, it’s fair to wonder whether taking a running back is the right move. Given how short the average prime is for NFL running backs, burning Jeanty’s best years on a rebuilding team might be a tough pill to swallow. If the Raiders take Jeanty, it would suggest they believe they can win now.

There are always exceptions — players like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, who have proven to be anomalies in today’s NFL by staying productive into their second contracts — but the more common path looks like Nick Chubb: an elite back stuck on good-not-great teams. It’s a risk the Raiders have to weigh carefully when thinking about taking Jeanty.

Building Through the Trenches

Another path could be in the trenches. Drafting a tackle like Will Campbell, Amarius Membou, or Kelvin Banks Jr. would give the Raiders a potential 10-year starter at a premium position. It wouldn’t be the flashiest move — especially with someone like Jeanty still on the board — but it’s arguably the safest. Shoring up the offensive line would set the foundation for whoever plays quarterback over the next few years.

A Surprise at Quarterback?

One scenario that’s been largely overlooked: the Raiders could surprise everyone and take a quarterback. Specifically, Shedeur Sanders.

Tom Brady, now part of the Raiders’ ownership group, has spoken highly of Sanders. And after what the Falcons did last year — drafting Michael Penix Jr. despite signing Kirk Cousins to a multiyear deal — it’s a reminder that the old draft rules don’t always apply anymore. If the Raiders love Sanders enough, they could justify the move, even with Geno Smith getting an extension this offseason.

Adding Another Pass Catcher?

Another possibility: wide receiver.

With the first true WRs (outside of Travis Hunter) still on the board, players like Tetairoa McMillan or Matthew Golden could be in play. The Raiders drafted Brock Bowers last year, giving the offense a legit playmaker, and they’ll get Jacobi Meyers back from injury. Adding another pass-catcher wouldn’t be the most obvious move, but it’s not off the table given the current state of the roster.

Bolstering the Defensive Line

Lastly, don’t rule out the defensive line.

If Mason Graham somehow slips to six, the Raiders could be tempted. They already boast a strong defensive line with Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins, but pairing Graham alongside those two would give them one of the most formidable fronts in the league — especially in a 4-3 scheme that thrives with dominant interior players. The Raiders also lean heavily on nickel and dime packages, which consistently keep four down linemen on the field, making defensive line depth even more valuable.

Why Pick 6 Remains a True Wild Card

This is why the Raiders’ pick is one of the biggest wild cards in the draft.

They have needs across the board, a new GM, and a new head coach. And they have a history of unpredictable drafting. Jeanty is the popular mock draft choice — and for good reason — but with so many directions they could go, it’s truly anyone’s guess what the Raiders are thinking at No. 6. There’s even a chance they reach on a cornerback like Will Johnson or Jahdae Barron to address a major need in the secondary. With the current state of this roster, nothing can be ruled out — which makes pick six one of the most intriguing spots in the entire first round.