Raiders reportedly interested in SEC cornerback in trade-down scenario

The Las Vegas Raiders and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty have become a common pairing in NFL mock drafts.

Jeantys three-down back status is a perfect antidote for the Raiders, who possessed the worst rushing game in the NFL last season.

That said, the Raiders are also in on other top prospects, with Colorados Shedeur Sanders and Michigans Will Johnson confirmed for top-30 visits.

In truth, the Raiders still have some mystery surrounding their sixth overall pick.

However, it is also fair to question if they will be the ones using that pick at all.

The Raiders might have a clear target in mind if they choose to trade down.

According to ESPNs Jordan Reid, despite Jeanty and the Raiders being a clear match, the team could elect to focus on the defensive side of the ball if they choose to move down the draft board.

Cornerback could be another position the Raiders target early, especially if they decide to trade down from No.

6, Reid mentioned .

Multiple league sources have mentioned Jahdae Barron (Texas) as an option if the Raiders trade back.

The report adds to the significant hype starting to form for Barron, providing competition to the aforementioned Johnson for the CB2 ranking behind Colorados Travis Hunter.

Big nickelback was in the right place at the right time throughout his impressive 2024 season, wrote NFL analyst Lance Zierlein in his scouting report.

Barron played smothering coverage underneath, fueled by route recognition, footwork and play strength.

His instincts allow him to pounce on catch points or tackle pass catchers immediately from zone.

However, he lacks recovery speed deep and can be a little too grabby at the top of the route in man.

Tackle technique in run support is a shade inconsistent but looks easily correctable.

The size and tape work in his favor as a physical nickel who can be an early contributor and future starter, with the potential to cross-train as a safety.

While Raiders fans might be somewhat disappointed about missing out on Jeanty or other elite prospects, Barron provides some merit for a selection.

On Monday, the Raiders waived cornerback Jack Jones, who was a full-time starter in 2024.

Moving on from him opens a significant hole in the defense, but Barron can slide in immediately as a quick fix.

A trade down would also give the Raiders more draft capital, allowing for a greater infusion of youth into the lineup.

As the draft draws near, speculation will continue to run rampant on what the Raiders plan to do.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission..

This article has been shared from the original article on yardbarker, here is the link to the original article.