Raiders could swerve everyone with Ashton Jeanty-centric trade

Even with smokescreens becoming prevalent during this part of the draft process, the Las Vegas Raiders and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty seem like a pretty clear match.

Everything so far this offseason suggests Jeanty is going to become a Raider. The Raiders had the worst running game in the league last season, the team was represented well at Boise State’s Pro Day and general manager John Spytek said his son even threatened to take his allegiance elsewhere if the pick was someone other than Jeanty. By all accounts, this is sufficient information to make a clear case as to what the Raiders are going to do.

While the Raiders clearly value what Jeanty brings to the table, there is more than one way that fact can be used to their advantage.

What if the interest the Raiders have shown in Jeanty is being used as leverage?

According to ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller, the Raiders are not the only team to have an affinity for Jeanty. The same can be said about the Chicago Bears, who hold the tenth overall pick.

“The Bears love Ashton Jeanty, according to scouts around the league who’ve observed the team’s activity this offseason,” wrote Miller. “So the Boise State running back could be the pick at No. 10 … if he’s still around.”

With the Raiders holding the sixth overall pick, they will likely have the first crack at Jeanty. However, that does not Spytek and the Raiders from prodding into the Bears’ perceived interest. If they find that the buzz has some legitimacy behind it, the Raiders could take full advantage and convince the Bears to make a deal.

For the price of moving down four spots, the Raiders have some options for what they can get out of the Bears.

Currently, the Bears hold four picks in the top 100 selections, including two second-round picks (picks 39 and 41). Asking for the later pick of the two might come across as a bit rich for the Bears, but holding Jeanty above their heads could convince them to think otherwise. The Raiders also have three sixth-round selection due to the allocation of compensatory draft picks, so throwing one of those in as a sign of goodwill at least evens things out.

The Raiders would be perfectly happy to take Jeanty with the sixth overall pick, but the thought of accelerating the rebuilding effort with a trade that benefits them this much is worth considering.