Perfect backup plan for the Las Vegas Raiders in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft if ideal player isn't available

It's lying season, as they say. Or, the better phrase may be that it's rumor season. Now, after months of having Ashton Jeanty being mocked almost unanimously to the Las Vegas Raiders, there are reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars are a team to watch.

Yes, the Jaguars, a team with Travis Etienne, are now being linked as a team to watch out for when it comes to taking Ashton Jeanty at No. 5. And, while I'm not personally on the train of drafting Jeanty at No. 6, simply because I think the positional value is much better in the second or third round, he is considered to be the ideal, safe pick that would be the best player available while also addressing a need.

So, if the Jaguars do take him, or let's say the New England Patriots, who need a running back, shock everyone and take him, what do the Raiders do? They need a backup plan, and I'm sure they have one. But, this would be my backup plan:

Raiders' backup plan in Round 1 of 2025 NFL Draft

If Jeanty is indeed taken before the Raiders get on the clock, there are so many things that the Raiders could do. The first one would likely involve taking a look at who's available, and saying to yourself, which of these guys and their position, would I still be able to get a great player later in the draft?

For me, defensive tackle is one of those, cornerback is somewhat one of those, wide receiver is one of those, and a few other positions are there, too. There are three positions that you can't really say that about.

When it comes to the cornerback position, the offensive tackle position, and the offensive guard position, there are only so many players that you can get a starter or impact player right away. The cornerback position is a bit deeper than the other two, but that's really not saying much.