The Las Vegas Raiders are quickly becoming a team to watch, especially after securing quarterback Geno Smith through a trade and extension, along with making key additions in free agency. With a few more pieces on both sides of the ball, the Raiders are on the verge of becoming a legitimate playoff contender. One of the most exciting ways the team could fill multiple roster needs at once is by trading up in the draft to land a versatile, high-impact talent like Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
In the latest mock draft from NFL.com’s Rhett Lewis, the Raiders make a bold move, trading up from the sixth overall pick to the second spot, currently held by the Cleveland Browns, to select Hunter. The unique part of Hunter’s game is that he’s regarded as the top prospect at both wide receiver and cornerback, positions that just so happen to be two of the Raiders’ biggest needs. Lewis noted, “I’ve 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. It just so happens that those two positions are two of the Raiders’ biggest needs, so they aggressively move up to secure a two-for-one with this pick.”
In this mock scenario, the Cleveland Browns then use the sixth pick to select Ashton Jeanty, the top running back prospect and Heisman runner-up. While the Browns could have chosen a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, they go a different route in this mock draft. Sanders, however, doesn’t stay on the board long, as he falls to the New Orleans Saints at the ninth overall pick.
This potential trade-up by the Raiders could create an intriguing storyline, with both Hunter and Jeanty intertwined after their standout performances in college football. Both players, who were Heisman contenders, could face off in the AFC for years to come, adding another layer of excitement to the growing rivalry between these teams.
This move would signal the Raiders’ determination to address key positions while bringing in a player who can instantly make an impact on both sides of the ball. Fans can look forward to an electric and highly anticipated season ahead.