What if they went for special talent?
This is my third and last full seven-round Las Vegas Raiders mock draft this year. We did one without trades, one with trades up and down and now it’s one in which the Raiders trade up for Colorado’s special talent, wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.
One quick PSA after leaving Colorado: Stop putting a ceiling on what Travis Hunter can/will be in the NFL
He can absolutely and will play WR and CB in the NFL
Might be Ohtani/Wemby level rare and unique.
He, Myles Garrett, Calvin Johnson best non-QB prospects in last 20 years.
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 4, 2025
This is mostly for fun, but could the Raiders use this guy? Of course, so let’s make it happen:
First round
Trade: Raiders trade No. 6, 37 and 108 to the New York Giants.
No. 3: Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter:
This really isn’t that steep of a price to go get a special talent like Hunter who would instantly upgrade two need positions for Las Vegas.
Third round
Trade: Raiders send No. 68 to Indianapolis Colts for No. 80 and 117.
No. 80: Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo:
The Raiders add another dynamic, versatile playmaker at a need position. Hunter and Skattebo in the same offense … with Brock Bowers? Now, that’s fun.
Fourth round
No. 117: Ohio State quarterback Will Howard:
This draft is falling pretty nicely for the Silver and Black. Chip Kelly reunites with Howard and the Raiders have time to groom him under Geno Smith.
Fifth round:
No. 143: Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman:
The Raiders badly need young linebackers and Stutsman could be a good fit for Pete Carroll’s defense and could vie to be a starter early in his career.
Sixth round
No. 180: Wisconsin tackle Jack Nelson:
John Spytek loves offensive lineman and this big man has a chance to develop.
No. 213 California linebacker Teddy Buchanan:
The Raiders have been studying him and he seems like a Pete Carroll-pick.
No. 215 Oregon State guard Joshua Gray:
Like Nelson, Spytek gets another offensive line project.
Seventh round:
No. 222: Alabama safety Malachi Moore:
This is a heck of value here for a player who could come in and help on special teams right away.
Conclusion:
Honestly, this draft fell better than I thought it would considering the capital spent to go grab Hunter. But this would be a pretty complete and intriguing draft class. The key would be Hunter getting past the Cleveland Browns at No. 2, because the cost to go up to that spot may be too steep. if the Giants would want to get extra picks and grab Hunter’s college teammate, Shedeur Sanders at No. 6, this could actually work.
Sign up and go to the comments section.