As the countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft begins, teams are scrambling to finalize their rosters and refine their draft boards ahead of the big night. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this year’s first-round pick presents a particularly intriguing dilemma.
Draft experts are pointing toward Ashton Jeanty as a likely choice for the Raiders, given their pressing need for depth at running back. While that reasoning holds water, it’s essential to remember that this year’s running back class is deep. The Raiders could afford to wait and grab a quality back later in the draft without jeopardizing their prospects. Instead, expect the Raiders to pivot in an unexpected direction, potentially leading to a trade up with the New York Giants.
The Giants find themselves in a position of relative comfort with quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson in tow, thus alleviating any urgent need to draft a quarterback at the top of the board. This gives them flexibility, and they may choose to focus on an edge rusher, wide receiver, or even another positional need. In this scenario, the stage is set for Las Vegas to make a strategic move to secure the third overall pick.
Recently, the Raiders made headlines by trading for Geno Smith. However, let’s be honest—Smith, at 34, is not the long-term solution for this franchise. His age and signs of decline last season raise questions about his sustainability as a starter. While Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll might revitalize Smith’s performance for a spell, it’s unlikely to fundamentally shift the Raiders’ offensive trajectory.
The ideal solution? The Raiders should take a page from last year’s Atlanta Falcons playbook, which involved acquiring veteran Kirk Cousins while drafting up-and-coming talent Michael Penix Jr. This year, that talent appears to be Shedeur Sanders.
Tom Brady, a part-owner of the Raiders, has strong ties to Sanders and understands what he brings to the table. Brady has previously expressed his belief in the value of allowing young quarterbacks to learn from seasoned pros—an opportunity that the Raiders could effectively provide in this case.
Despite entering the offseason as a strong candidate for QB1 status, Sanders has experienced a dip in his draft stock recently. While he may lack the high-octane ceiling of players like Cam Ward, he has showcased steady performance and marked improvement in critical areas, making him a more efficient passer.
Moreover, Sanders offers the kind of mobility that allows him to extend plays and make throws from awkward angles when the pocket breaks down. While he can improve on his decision to take off running in open lanes, this isn’t a deal-breaker. What matters most is that the Raiders desperately need a spark of youth as they plan for the future, and Sanders can be that catalyst.
To avoid losing Sanders to another team, the Raiders should take decisive action and trade up with the Giants, ensuring they secure their next franchise quarterback. This move would not only position the Raiders for success but could also aid the Giants, who would gain additional picks to bolster their rebuilding efforts. It’s a win-win scenario that could impact both franchises for years to come.
