Just when analysts seemed to have figured out the Las Vegas Raiders’ draft plans, a new wrinkle has revealed itself.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, left tackle Kolton Miller is holding out of the Raiders’ voluntary workout program for the purpose of getting a new contract. While the Raiders could resolve the issue easily, there is a chance that the two sides are far apart on the details of an extension. Until the matter is resolved, offensive tackle suddenly becomes a more pressing matter for the Raiders.
One analyst has laid out a potential plan if Miller ends up heading to a new city later this offseason.
The Raiders could decide to replace Miller with an athletic marvel in the draft.
Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline went against the grain from most pundits, believing the Raiders could pass on Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in favor of Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou.
“Just about everyone has mocked running back Ashton Jeanty to the Las Vegas Raiders at pick No. 6. Yet I’m told the team will seriously consider Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou with that choice,” Pauline wrote.
Pauline is not the only insider who is starting to come around to the idea of Membou to the Raiders. On an episode of The Rush with Maxx Crosby, ESPN’s Adam Schefter echoed a similar sentiment, even before Miller decided to hold out.
“I know a lot of people think the Raiders are going to take a running back in round one,” said Schefter. “And they might, we’ll see. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they wound up going with a guy like Membou, the offensive tackle, instead of a running back.”
Membou has been a steady climber up draft boards all season, but exploded into the national spotlight with his excellent Combine performance. Membou put together a 4.91-second 40-yard dash time and 34-inch vertical jump, scoring a 9.89 out of 10 Relative Athletic Score.
Armand Membou is a OT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.89 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 17 out of 1398 OT from 1987 to 2025.
Pro day pending for remaining tests.https://t.co/3r3aqdoJUJ pic.twitter.com/80O2lRsMkw
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 12, 2025
Perhaps general manager John Spytek sees Membou as his latest version of Tristan Wirfs, who has emerged as one of the league’s best right tackles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. By drafting Membou, the Raiders can secure another blue-chip offensive lineman while attacking other needs later.
The Raiders might not have the straightforward draft people expected.
