Throughout much of the pre-draft process, mock drafts have frequently linked the Las Vegas Raiders with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. While securing a talent like Jeanty would undoubtedly be a significant addition for Las Vegas, NFL Media’s Rhett Lewis presents an intriguing alternative in his latest projections.
Lewis envisions the Raiders making a bold move, trading up four spots from the No. 6 overall pick to No. 2, held by the Cleveland Browns, to select Colorado cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter.
Las Vegas Raiders Draft: Trade Up Nets 2-Way Star
Lewis explains his rationale for this mock trade, stating that he has “never made a mock trade before this one, but we’ve never seen a player like Hunter, who registers as the draft’s top prospect at both receiver and cornerback.”
He astutely points out that wide receiver and cornerback are two of the most pressing needs for the Raiders, making Hunter a potentially transformative “two-for-one” selection. As Lewis highlights, the Raiders’ wide receiver corps currently lacks depth and proven production beyond Jakobi Meyers. Similarly, the nickel cornerback position, a critical role in Pete Carroll’s defensive scheme, needs to be solidified.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranks Hunter as the top prospect in the draft across all position groups, writing, “Overall, Hunter has the twitchy, skilled talent and competitive mentality to be an impact wide receiver and/or cornerback at the next level. NFL teams are split on his role — and on the possibility of Hunter playing both ways, because of durability concerns. But he is both CB1 and WR1 in this class and will give his next coaching staff exciting options.”
Hunter’s unique two-way ability would provide Las Vegas with a true every-down cornerback who also possesses the talent to contribute offensively in crucial situations, offering a dynamic and versatile weapon for the new Raiders regime under Coach Carroll.