Just about every NFL Draft analyst out there has the Las Vegas Raiders pegged to draft an offensive weapon with the 6th overall pick. Most of those, have them selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
But what if one of the best defensive players falls into their lap?
Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is arguably the best defensive player in the draft. Some will side with Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter if you view him as a cornerback at the NFL level, but many will side with the game-wrecking ability of Graham.
If he is still available once the Raiders come on the clock, it will be interesting to see their level of intrigue in selecting him.
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Would Drafting Mason Graham Be A Mistake For The Raiders?
Lorenzo J Reyna of ClutchPoints, however, does not think that drafting Mason Graham would be wise for the Raiders.
“Not knocking Graham at all as a top 10 talent,” Reyna writes. “His freakish attributes will appeal to NFL teams.”
“There’s simply not much room for him in Sin City, though. The Raiders already signed Christian Wilkins to a massive 2024 deal. Vegas then brought back Adam Butler after a career year.”
“Drafting Graham at sixth means he has to play behind the aforementioned veterans. That won’t likely sit well with Graham especially as a top 10 pick. Graham should be passed on even if he’s available – as the Raiders have other pressing needs.”
Every team in the NFL has needs that they would like to fill or improve through the draft. However, drafting for ‘need’ is not the best strategy, especially if it means passing on premier talent.
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While it is true that Wilkins is playing on a massive contract and is a very good player, he only played five games last year due to injury. The hope is that he will be fully healthy this year and return to form, but there is no guarantee of that.
- Mason Graham 2024 Stats: 48 total tackles, 3.5 sacks
Plus, rarely will only two defensive tackles play every snap. There is always a rotation, and a rotation of Wilkins, Butler, and Graham would be one of the best interior rotations in football, and you get to pair that with Maxx Crosby.
Most mock drafts have Graham getting drafted in the top 5 before the Raiders pick, so this is probably all for moot. But if he is somehow available, the Raiders should run to the podium.
Just last year, the Silver and Black selected tight end Brock Bowers. The selection felt redundant after taking Michael Mayer a year prior. I don’t think anyone in Raider Nation is upset that they doubled down.