Draft Day Dilemma: Raiders' Path to Redemption

Boom or bust: Raiders have storied draft history - Las Vegas Sun ...

As the NFL Draft approaches Thursday, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in a pivotal position with the sixth overall pick. Under the new leadership trio of head coach Pete Carroll, general manager John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady, the Raiders are looking to address multiple needs after a challenging season. With the worst rushing attack in the league last year and holes on both sides of the ball, this draft represents a crucial opportunity to build a foundation for the franchise’s future.

First-round history

The Raiders’ first-round draft history began in 1961 when they selected Joe Rutgens, a defensive tackle from Illinois, with the fifth overall pick. However, Rutgens chose to sign with the NFL instead of the AFL, establishing an early pattern of draft challenges for the franchise. Throughout the 1960s, the Raiders made several notable first-round picks, including Roman Gabriel (1962, first overall) and Gene Upshaw (1967, 17th overall), who would become a Hall of Famer.

The 1970s and 1980s brought some of the team’s most impactful first-rounders: Jack Tatum (1971, 19th pick), Ray Guy (1973, 23rd pick), Marcus Allen (1982, 10th pick), and Tim Brown (1988, sixth pick), all of whom became Hall of Famers. In more recent decades, the Raiders selected Charles Woodson (1998, fourth pick), Sebastian Janikowski (2000, 17th pick), Nnamdi Asomugha (2003, 31st pick), Khalil Mack (2014, fifth pick), and Amari Cooper (2015, fourth pick).

Recent first-round picks include Tyree Wilson (2023, 7th pick) and Brock Bowers (2024, 13th pick). The Raiders have also traded away their first-round picks several times throughout their history, including in 2022 when they traded the 22nd pick to the Green Bay Packers as part of a deal to acquire receiver Davante Adams.

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Biggest bust

JaMarcus Russell (2007, first overall) is widely considered the Raiders’ biggest draft bust, and one of the worst first overall selections in NFL history. The Raiders invested heavily in the strong-armed LSU quarterback, but Russell’s career was derailed by weight issues, poor work ethic, and lack of preparation. Despite his brief NFL career, Russell earned nearly $40 million from the Raiders. His selection is particularly painful because the Raiders ignored numerous red flags, including warnings from an NFC general manager who advised owner Al Davis against the pick.

Best sixth overall pick in history

The sixth pick has produced several standout players including Julio Jones (2011), Tim Brown (1988), Richard Seymour (2001), and Torry Holt (1999). Mock drafts strongly suggest the Raiders will select Ashton Jeanty, a running back from Boise State. Jeanty is considered the most well-rounded running back in this draft class and a true difference-maker who could significantly improve the Raiders’ rushing attack, which was the worst in the league last season.

The selection would make sense given the Raiders’ need to improve their rushing attack, new head coach Pete Carroll’s history of success with strong running games, and the Raiders’ acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith. However, some analysts suggest the Raiders should consider other positions, with NFL.com’s Adam Rank recommending cornerback Jahdae Barron to help strengthen the defense.