The 2025 NFL Draft is just days away, and as of right now, the Las Vegas Raiders seem like the most obvious fit for superstar running back Ashton Jeanty. 

The Raiders are sitting with the No. 6 overall pick in the draft and an obvious need at the running back position. Alexander Mattison was the leading rusher for Vegas in 2024 with an uninspiring 420 yards. As a team, the Raiders averaged 3.6 yards per carry.

It's an easy line to draw. It's the team with the Top 10 pick and gaping hole at running taking a blue chip running back prospect that can transform an offense. Those who are mocking Jeanty to the Raiders are simply connecting the dots.

There's also the comments from new Raiders GM John Spytek, who recently compared Jeanty to Saquon Barkley and was outspoken about the value of a good running back. "I mean we just saw Saquon Barkley just change the Eagles in one year," Spytek said during a pre-draft press conference. "There's certain ways to build a team, and I don't know where we got to a place where we don't feel like running backs are valued."

Spytek went on to talk about his roots as a former Michigan Wolverine, saying that running backs are valued at Michigan and it's "hard for him to get away from that." So that settles it. Jeanty to Las Vegas at No. 6…Or does it? 

---

Spytek values OL as well

Spytek may have pointed out the impact Saquon Barkley had on the Philadelphia Eagles this past season, but let's not forget the support Barkley had from the Eagles offensive line. 

From 2019-2023 with the New York Giants, Barkley averaged just 4.1 yards per carry. He played in 58 games over that stretch and scored 24 rushing touchdowns. With the Eagles in 2024, Barkley got 5.8 yards per carry and punched in 13 touchdowns in 16 games played. 

Barkley is a phenom, but his talent wasn't truly allowed to shine until he was supported by strong blocking up front. i could see the same thing happening for Jeanty in the NFL. 

While Spytek's quotes about running backs are being plastered all over the internet, he also puts value in building an offensive line. He traces that back to his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his playing days at Michigan. "I have a deep belief in the physicality and violence required to play football. It starts with the big boys up front," said Spytek.

"It's who I am to my core. We were very intentional with it in Tampa and the results speak for themselves. We had a great o-line the year we won the Super Bowl. Last year we had a great o-line again and the only player common on both of them was Triston Wirfs. He's a great one but it's not just about Tristan," Spytek continued. "…There's no better way than to do it through the draft."

---

Raiders should draft OL over Jeanty

Jeanty is going to need a solid starting offensive line if he wants his ability to truly shine. In 2024, the Raiders were 22nd in the NFL in run block win rate. They did not have a single offensive lineman who was Top 10 at his position in run block win rate. That's not going to cut it. 

Over the offseason the Raiders' only real offensive line transaction was losing C Andre James in free agency and signing OL Alex Cappa to play right guard. There is more work to be done. 

Vegas is still dealing with a really young and unproven offensive line. Building that up is the foundation of every contending team. 

Considering the amount of talented running backs in this year's draft class, I think the Raiders are better off targeting an offensive lineman at No. 6 and trying to grab a running back in the second (No. 37) or third round (No. 68). Get Kaleb Johnson, TreyVeon Henderson, or Quinshon Judkins and you get better value.

My official prediction for the Raiders is going to be Missouri OT Armand Mmebou, but I'll also have my eyes on LSU OT Will Campbell if he falls and Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr.

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

The Raiders have an important decision to make.