Trading Back in NFL Draft Option for Raiders
So far this offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders have made many moves that have instantly improved them. They let running back Josh Jacobs walk in free agency, freeing up money for them to spend elsewhere. They've retained starting center Andre James and running back Ameer Abdullah. They signed defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, one of the top free agents available.
With all of the work General Manager Tom Telesco and the Raiders have done so quickly this offseason, it has given them even more flexibility in this year's NFL Draft than they already had. The Raiders' roster has many positions that could use improvement. However, not many of those positions are in dire enough need for the Raiders to trade up or even stick with the 13th overall pick.
Arguably, the Raiders' most significant needs were recently addressed or can be addressed relatively quickly through free agency. The Raiders have addressed nearly every position of need on their offense, except for the offensive line. However, they have at least three of their five starting linemen already set, and maybe more, depending on how they feel about Thayer Munford.
Las Vegas Raiders General Manager Tom Telesco has flexibility in this year's NFL Draft.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Las Vegas' wide receiver unit could use an addition, but overall, they're about as solid a receiver unit as the Raiders can put together.
The Raiders have decided to go with running back by committee. They already have their tight end of the future in Michael Mayer, and they've narrowed down their quarterback position to Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew. The Raiders are a few additions on offense from that side of the ball being solidified.
Now, the Raiders will turn their focus toward improving a budding defense that has the potential to be one of the best in the league. Wilkins' signing gives the Raiders a formidable defensive line and a solid group of linebackers. While the Raiders could use help at the linebacker position, it is unlikely they will use the 13th overall pick on a linebacker.
However, after their recent additions, the Raiders don't have many glaring holes on their roster left to fill. This should allow all options to remain on the table during the NFL Draft.
Las Vegas could use the 13th pick on a talented cornerback. Depending on how many cornerbacks are drafted before the Raiders select, the Raiders should consider trading back, getting more picks, and potentially getting a talented cornerback and a talented linebacker high in the draft.
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