Raiders could've had rising superstar WR instead of Ashton Jeanty

Billy Heyen

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Raiders could've had rising superstar WR instead of Ashton Jeanty image

The Las Vegas Raiders bucked modern trends in the 2025 NFL Draft.

With the No. 6 overall pick, they took a running back. Ashton Jeanty was the Heisman Trophy runner-up at Boise State, so it was a logical selection, at least if they were going to go RB.

But they could've had a wide receiver who looks like a star.

In a 2025 re-draft, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski writes that the Raiders should've taken Tetairoa McMillan at the sixth pick.

McMillan ended up going No. 8 to the Panthers. And in the re-draft, Sobleski doesn't have Jeanty going until the 20s.

"Looking back, they probably could have gone in a different direction than drafting a running back with a top-10 pick to become the offensive focal point," Sobleski writes. "To be fair, Ashton Jeanty really didn't have much of a chance during his rookie campaign due to atrocious offensive line play and a poor scheme. Still, his selection felt like a luxury for a team lacking in so many areas. A running back could have been selected later. Instead, the Raiders now land a playmaker to open up the offense. Tetairoa McMillan is the favorite to be the 2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading all first-year players with 1,014 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches."

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McMillan is also having another different experience to Jeanty as a rookie: The Panthers are in the playoffs.

They'll play on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams after backing their way into the NFC South Division title.

McMillan was a big reason why Bryce Young performed admirably in key moments.

And he could've been a Raider.

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Staff Writer