We might as well start this off with the biggest name to grab headlines at Boise State’s pro day lately, Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek. His presence emphasized his commitment to judging possible new talent for the coming NFL draft. His idea of a good time He flew running back Ashton Jeanty out to Las Vegas for a top-30 visit. This unexpected move demonstrates his great ambition for the position despite the tumultuous turnover of the team’s roster.
Spytek is a hardcore believer in drafting running backs in the first round. His conviction is based on the premise that an effective running game can give you a sizable advantage over your opponent. Once you start squeezing players because you want to need them, you will rue the day you did so. You can’t have enough quality players at a premium position, especially one that touches the ball every play,” he reiterated last week at a predraft news conference. This philosophy is still the guiding principle that underlines his radically adaptive approach, even though the needs of the organization have changed.
The Raiders created a stir when they traded for quarterback Geno Smith. Instead, he signed a two-year contract extension, worth $75 million, with the total value capable of reaching $85.5 million via performance incentives. The deal includes $66.5 million in guaranteed money, solidifying Smith’s position as a key player in the Raiders’ future plans. Despite the acquisition of Smith, Spytek maintains that the team should not shy away from drafting a running back if the right talent emerges.
Sometimes what doesn’t feel like a need right now becomes a need after one or two injuries during the season, and then you’re thankful you took this really good player, Spytek said, a reminder of just how haphazard the injury game can be in the world of football. His comments indicate that he is still willing to be open-minded about drafting for all types of positions too.
Spytek’s warning was especially directed at the effect that franchise-caliber runners can have on a team. “I mean we just saw Saquon Barkley just change the Eagles in one year,” he noted, emphasizing how a single player can transform an offense. This feeling plays right into his strategy of stockpiling depth at high-impact positions. It’s indicative of his belief that you should operate with at least three elite options in the bank.
In addition to Jeanty, the Raiders hosted Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders for a top-30 visit, illustrating Spytek’s willingness to explore all avenues in strengthening the team’s roster. He was adamant that he didn’t want to discuss individual prospects at the introductory news conference. The one thing he was unequivocal about was his and head coach Pete Carroll’s determination to focus on the run game as a centerpiece of their offensive identity.
Spytek’s journey from the University of Michigan to NFL player-evaluator has shaped his philosophy on player-evaluation and team-building. He appreciates the skill positions and knows how dangerous they can be to flip a game on its head.
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