Anyone and everyone expects the Las Vegas Raiders to draft Boise State superstar running back Ashton Jeanty, who is one of the best players in the 2025 NFL draft.
Jeanty is a true do-it-all running back with his elite rushing skills, pass-catching ability and pass protection prowess. He'd be a fantastic fit in Las Vegas, where the team doesn't have a good situation at running back currently.
Despite Jeanty being the flavor of the month for the Raiders in mock drafts, Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling is going in a different direction. He has the Raiders taking Michigan star defensive lineman Mason Graham with the No. 6 pick in his mock draft. Meanwhile, Jeanty goes at No. 9 to the Dallas Cowboys.
"There would probably be a conversation here about Sanders, and rightfully so," he wrote. "But if the Raiders think Geno Smith can keep up his recent level of play for another few seasons, they could instead spend this pick on a foundational piece along the defensive trenches. Graham is a well-rounded player who can rush the passer and stuff the run."
The Raiders beefed up their defensive line with the signing of Christian Wilkins last offseason, and the team currently has Adam Butler penciled in to start next to him. But Butler is not a good run defender and just turned 31, so the Raiders could use someone who is younger and more well-rounded.
Graham fits the bill. According to Pro Football Focus, the Michigan product earned an elite 92.6 run defense grade in 2024, as well as an impressive 81.1 pass-rush mark. Graham tallied nine sacks over his career at Michigan, including 3.5 last season.
"Overall, Graham projects best as a starting even front 3-technique defensive tackle. He can wreck offensive game plans due to his prowess versus the run and pass. Graham has the skill set and physical ability to become one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL," The Draft Network wrote.
Over the past three years, Graham racked up five awards, including a Unanimous All-American nod in 2024, and a pair of first-team All-Big Ten selections (2023 and 2024). He was also a national champ in 2023.
Adding Graham would give the Raiders a potentially elite one-two punch on the interior and would push Butler to a rotational role that he's better suited for. The Raiders could then turn their attention to running back later in the draft with there likely to be plenty of solid options available on Day 2 and 3.
