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Raiders Mailbag: Could the Raiders trade up in the draft?

Apr 16, 2025 at 03:33 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Red Zombie from Florida asks:

"Pete Carroll has been known to have a strong running game when he was coaching Seattle. What's the odds of the Silver & Black drafting a RB that could take some of the pressure off Geno Smith and accommodate the weapons they have already established in TE Brock Bowers and WR Jakobi Meyers?"

Pete Carroll's reputation for running the ball speaks for itself.

You can go as far back as Reggie Bush at USC, as the two-time All-American totaled 2,218 scrimmage yards and 19 all-purpose touchdowns in his 2005 Heisman Trophy winning season. After Carroll became the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, he traded for Marshawn Lynch who rushed for 6,381 yards and 58 touchdowns in the seven seasons they were paired together. Following Lynch's retirement, the Seahawks drafted Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet in back-to-back years with second-round picks. It's panned out for the Seahawks as the two combined for 17 total touchdowns in 2024.

The first sign of revamping the Raiders' run game was signing Raheem Mostert this offseason, who has an established relationship with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2023. It's also a likely possibility that the Raiders add another running back in the draft considering how deep the position group is in this class. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty has circulated in mock drafts for the Silver and Black at No. 6. The team also reportedly had a top 30 visit with Jeanty last week.

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Lee So-young from Washington asks:

"Can't wait to see who we pick! Any chance we trade up for a game changer?"

There's been so much conversation about the Raiders trading back in the first round, however the possibility of trading up shouldn't be discounted either.

When discussing true game changers in this draft, two names immediately come to mind: Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. Carter, the Penn State outside linebacker, is believed to be the top edge rusher in the draft class with an overwhelming amount of strengths with his size, explosiveness and motor. The Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year led the nation in tackles for loss (23.5) and ranked seventh with 12 sacks. He's also shown the ability throughout his collegiate career to play off-ball. Matching him next to Maxx Crosby could make for one of the best 1-2 edge rushing tandems in the league.

Hunter would be another ideal player to trade up for considering his ability to fulfill two needs for the Raiders. In the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner's senior season at Colorado starting at wide receiver and cornerback, he captured the attention of college football by recording 15 receiving touchdowns, 1,258 receiving yards, 11 pass deflections and four interceptions.

"When we think about it from a practical standpoint where we are right now, team has a need of a wide receiver and a defensive back," Bucky Brooks said on the Raiders NFL Draft Podcast. "Team also has a coach who really became legendary in the college ranks by dealing with young people and putting them in a position to succeed, whatever that position was. So, as Pete Carroll is seaming his legacy as a Hall of Fame coach, why not take an impact player who can impact the game as a pass catcher and a defensive playmaker. ... Why not put Travis Hunter in a position where he can be the best version of himself between the lines?"

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Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) at a workout during phase one of the offseason program at Intermountain Health Performance Center.