Since the trade of Geno Smith was made official with the Las Vegas Raiders, all of the expert NFL Mock Draft makers moved off of a quarterback for the Silver and Black with the 6th overall pick, and all seemingly went all in on Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty.
Pretty much every mock draft out there, from NFL Network to ESPN, has the Raiders adding Jeanty to the backfield. While this would be a good pick, and Jeanty certainly appears to be a generational talent at the running back position, it begs the question: Is it worth taking a running back that high in the first round?
Love it or hate it, history has shown us that the RB position is the most replaceable. However, one of the big reasons why the position is so replaceable is that teams don’t want to pony up big money when it comes time for that second contract.
One benefit of drafting an RB in the first round (or any position for that matter) is that it potentially gives you six years of a cost-controlled contract. Teams can pick up the 5th-year option, and then if they choose, use the franchise tag in the 6th year.
All of this being said, there is finally a mock draft out there that has the Raiders going in a different direction.
John Kosko of Pro Football Focus recently released his latest mock and he has the Raiders selecting one of the top wide receivers.
Raiders Select Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan With 6th Overall Pick
Let’s face it, the Raiders have a need at both the running back and wide receiver position. As it stands, the starting wideout trio in Las Vegas is Ramel Keyton, Tre Tucker, and Jakobi Meyers. Adding an elite WR that could be WR1 for the next decade seems very appealing.
“The Raiders desperately need a top-tier wide receiver, and McMillan provides that,” Kosko writes. “Quarterback Geno Smith thrived in Seattle with DK Metcalf – a big-bodied, athletic wideout – and McMillan is cut from the same cloth with a more refined route-running skill set. Las Vegas’ offense has some talent, especially after drafting tight end Brock Bowers a year ago, and McMillan should create more open looks for Bowers and Jakobi Meyers.”
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McMillan was dominant for the Arizona Wildcats for the past two seasons. In 2023, he finished with 90 receptions, 1402 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Last season saw almost identical production as he garnered 84 catches, 1319 yards, and 8 touchdowns.
At 6’5, 212 pounds, he is the perfect body frame for a true WR1 on the outside. He ran a 4.48 40 at his Pro Day, so he has plenty of speed and has the ultimate size to track jump balls.
If the Raiders are trying to re-create a little of the magic that Pete Carroll had in Seattle, then adding a talented receiver like McMillan would be a tremendous step in the right direction.