The Las Vegas Raiders look much different now than they did at the end of the 2024 season.
The team parted ways with head coach Antonio Pierce and brought in veteran Pete Carroll to steer the ship. John Spytek was also brought in to be the next general manager, and Tom Brady is taking on a larger role as a minority owner.
After a miserable 2024 season, the team has the chance to add an elite player with the No. 6 pick. There are several ways the team could go with this pick, but most mock drafts agree the team will add to the offense.
Today, we're going to identify a few players the team should steer away from picking with the No. 6 pick.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
We know that Geno Smith will be the Raiders' quarterback for at least the 2025 season. After giving up a third-round pick, the Raiders also inked Smith to a sizeable extension.
Shedeur Sanders is one of the top quarterback prospects in this class. It could be very intriguing for the Raiders to select the passer if he falls to No. 6, but the team should avoid that temptation.
The Raiders have a veteran quarterback, and they should focus on surrounding him with talent. Taking a developmental quarterback that likely won't play for a year or two wouldn't be the best use of resources.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart is an intriguing prospect who could end up being a star in the NFL.
However, that's entirely based off projection, as Stewart never really developed as a pass-suher in college. The edge-rusher collected just 4.5 sacks over three seasons at Texas A&M, meaning he's incredibly raw and would need to be brought along slowly in the NFL.
The Raiders have one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL in Maxx Crosby. Malcolm Koonce was also brought back and provides another solid starting option on the edge.
Adding pass-rushers is always smart, but Stewart has a very similar profile to Tyree Wilson, who the team spent a first-round pick on two years ago. Wilson has yet to fully develop, and the team doesn't need another player like that.
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Jalon Walker is another super-talented defender from the SEC just like Stewart.
Also like Stewart, Walker never really lived up to his potential. The Georgia product tested well and has the makings of a quality defender, but Walker is a tweener, not really being a perfect fit at edge-rusher or linebacker.
The Raiders need players who can immediately come in and contribute. Walker will likely need time to develop in the right system, and the Raiders should wait until later to take a true off-ball linebacker.
Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, QB, Ole Miss, Alabama
This is a two-for-one special as the Raiders should avoid taking either passer early in the draft.
It would be incredibly surprising to see Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe taken at No. 6. However, there is a scenario where the team trades down from No. 6 or trades back up into the first round and lands in a better spot to take one of these passers.
That wouldn't be the best use of assets, though. If the Raiders want a developmental quarterback to put behind Geno Smith, a better option would be Will Howard, who played under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly in college.
