With the Las Vegas Raiders releasing starting cornerback Jack Jones on Sunday, things are really being set up to get pretty crazy on draft night. The 2025 NFL Draft already had the feeling it was going to be wild, now we really don't know who LV will take.
Pretty much since the Raiders traded for former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, the feeling was that the Raiders would take running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 overall. And, that excites a large part of the fan base, but if you ask some media, it makes much more sense to take a running back in the second round, where the better positional value is.
But now, things may have changed a bit. The release of Jones allows the Raiders to go get some guys at pick No. 6 where now it makes a ton of sense. Where, maybe before it made sense, but it didn't really feel like it would ever happen. Now, the chances are increased.
Raiders' chances of drafting 3 players increase
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
While the Raiders released Jones, it's clear that their need for a cornerback, which they had prior to releasing Jones, has grown even bigger. Sure, Jones had effort issues and really struggled last year, but at the same time, he was a starting-caliber player, just more of a low-end guy. The Raiders have the ability to get a star at the position now.
Johnson is one of the guys that appears to have the highest upside in this draft. However, over the last few months it feels like his stick has fallen just a bit, and maybe that's because of the injury. But, he is a guy that you will be able to build around on that side of the ball.
Jahdae Barron, NB, Texas
The Raiders moved rookie Decamerion Richardson to nickel some last season when the injuries started to hit. He played 98 coverage snaps in the slot last season, according to Sports Info Solutions. With Jones, a wide outside corner gone, and Jakorian Bennett locked down as the best outside cornerback, the Raiders could move Richardson to a full-time outside corner and draft a nickel corner.
Richardson was projected to be the full-time slot corner, but now he can go back to his natural position, and Barron is the best slot guy in the draft, and it's not close. You could make the case that he is the best cornerback in the draft.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Raiders have a need at cornerback and wide receiver, so, why not kill two birds with one stone? Well, that's if they can get Hunter. It seemed impossible before, but now it seems like it could happen, but still less likely than the other two options. Maybe the best overall player in this draft could be gone by pick No. 6, and should be gone by that, too. But, there is a chance he falls, and there is a chance that the Raiders trade up, especially now that they desperately need a CB.
Hunter is a guy who could really lock up on defense and play a certain package of plays on offense. The Raiders, if possible, should try and target him. If not, which is likely, they should certainly try and get one of the other two.
