The Las Vegas Raiders sit at a crossroads as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After a disappointing 4-13 season in 2024, the team earned the No. 6 overall pick, setting the stage for a pivotal offseason. With new leadership in General Manager John Spytek and Head Coach Pete Carroll, plus the recent acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith, the Raiders aim to reshape their roster. This draft offers nine selections, providing ample opportunity to address key needs and build a contender. Let’s dive into the latest updates, explore their draft strategy, and predict how these picks could transform the Silver and Black.
The Raiders’ Draft Capital: A Strong Foundation
The Raiders enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a solid haul of nine picks spread across seven rounds. Their 4-13 record secured them the No. 6 spot in the first round, their highest selection since taking Clelin Ferrell fourth overall in 2019. Notably, the last time they picked sixth, in 1988, they landed Hall of Fame wide receiver Tim Brown, fueling optimism for a franchise-altering selection this year. Beyond the first round, the team holds picks in Rounds 2, 3, 4, 6 (including two compensatory selections), and 7, giving Spytek and Carroll flexibility to maneuver.
Moreover, the Raiders’ draft arsenal reflects a mix of their own picks and strategic moves from prior trades. They originally gained an extra third-round pick (No. 92) from the New York Jets in the Davante Adams trade but later flipped it to the Seattle Seahawks for Geno Smith. Additionally, the NFL awarded them two sixth-round compensatory picks—Nos. 213 and 215—on March 11, 2025, for losing free agents in 2024. This collection of selections positions the Raiders to target immediate contributors and long-term projects alike.
A New Era Under Pete Carroll and John Spytek
The 2025 draft marks the debut of a fresh leadership tandem for the Raiders. John Spytek, stepping in as GM after Tom Telesco’s exit, brings a sharp eye for talent from his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Pete Carroll, a proven winner from his Seattle Seahawks tenure, replaces Antonio Pierce as head coach. Together, they inherit a roster with glaring holes but also untapped potential, especially after a season plagued by offensive struggles and quarterback instability.
Carroll’s influence already shines through with the trade for Geno Smith, a 34-year-old veteran quarterback entering the final year of his contract in 2025. This move signals a desire to compete now while grooming a successor. Spytek, meanwhile, emphasizes building through the draft, a philosophy that aligns with the Raiders’ nine-pick haul. Their collaboration promises a blend of Carroll’s run-heavy, defensive-minded approach and Spytek’s focus on sustainable roster growth, setting the tone for draft day decisions.
Key Needs: Where the Raiders Must Strike
The Raiders’ 4-13 finish exposed weaknesses across the roster, and the 2025 draft offers a chance to plug those gaps. Offensively, the team desperately needs a reliable wide receiver to complement tight end Brock Bowers and a running back to ignite the ground game. Defensively, bolstering the defensive line and linebacker corps ranks high on the priority list. Let’s break down these needs and see how the draft could address them.
Wide Receiver: Finding a Star for Geno Smith
After trading Davante Adams, the Raiders’ receiving corps leans heavily on Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. Bowers, a standout rookie in 2024, thrives as a tight end, but the team lacks a true No. 1 wideout. Tucker’s speed dazzles, yet his limited targets—81 on 616 routes in 2024—highlight a need for a bigger playmaker. Geno Smith, known for his accuracy and pocket presence, deserves a dynamic target to elevate the passing attack.
Analysts speculate the Raiders could target a wide receiver early, possibly at No. 6. Prospects like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, a 6-foot-5 specimen with silky smooth hands, or Missouri’s Luther Burden III, a shifty route-runner, could fit the bill. Adding a receiver early would give Smith a go-to option and ease the pressure on Bowers, creating a balanced aerial assault.
Running Back: Powering Pete Carroll’s Vision
Pete Carroll’s coaching DNA screams run-first football, a style that carried him to a Super Bowl with Marshawn Lynch in Seattle. The Raiders’ current backfield, led by Zamir White and veteran Raheem Mostert, offers decent depth but lacks a dominant starter. Mostert, 32, racked up 21 touchdowns two years ago with Miami, yet his age raises questions about longevity. White and Sincere McCormick, when healthy, provide promise, but Carroll craves a workhorse.
This draft boasts a loaded running back class, tempting the Raiders to strike early. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, a Heisman finalist who nearly broke Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record with 2,601 yards, headlines the group. Analysts debate taking a back at No. 6, but Jeanty’s elusiveness and power could transform the offense. Alternatively, waiting until Round 2 for a talent like Oklahoma’s Trevor Etienne might maximize value while still landing a difference-maker.
Defensive Line: Building a Wall Up Front
On defense, the Raiders need juice along the line to complement star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The 2024 season exposed a lack of interior push and depth beyond Crosby, who signed a multi-year extension in early 2025. Free agency losses and inconsistent play up front allowed opponents to control the line of scrimmage, a trend Carroll and Spytek aim to reverse.
Michigan’s Mason Graham, a disruptive defensive tackle with uncanny quickness, looms as a popular mock draft pick at No. 6. His ability to collapse pockets and stop the run fits Carroll’s scheme perfectly. Penn State’s Abdul Carter, a versatile edge rusher, also intrigues as a potential game-changer. Adding a lineman early would fortify the front and amplify Crosby’s impact.
Linebacker: Reinforcing the Second Level
The linebacker room took a hit in free agency, losing starters Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo. Spillane’s departure stings, given his tackling prowess, while Deablo never fully blossomed after three years. The Raiders added veteran Elandon Roberts from Pittsburgh, but his part-time role last season suggests they need more. Third-year man Amari Burney waits in the wings, yet the position demands an infusion of talent.
Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell, a rangy linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed, could intrigue the Raiders in the mid-rounds. His versatility mirrors Micah Parsons, offering flexibility in Carroll’s defense. Targeting a linebacker on Day 2 or 3 would shore up the unit and pair nicely with Crosby’s pass-rushing dominance.
Round-by-Round Predictions: Crafting the Perfect Draft
With nine picks in hand, the Raiders can attack their needs systematically. Here’s a speculative round-by-round breakdown based on current roster gaps, expert mocks, and team philosophy as of April 4, 2025. This projection avoids trades for simplicity but reflects realistic targets.
Round 1, Pick 6: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Raiders kick things off with a bold swing, grabbing Ashton Jeanty at No. 6. Carroll’s love for the run game drives this choice, as Jeanty’s blend of vision, power, and breakaway speed screams superstar potential. Some argue it’s too high for a running back, but his 2,601-yard, 29-touchdown 2024 season silences doubters. Pairing him with Geno Smith and Brock Bowers creates a dynamic offense, giving the Raiders an identity.
Round 2, Pick 37: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Day 2 starts with a steal, as Tetairoa McMillan falls to No. 37. His towering 6-foot-5 frame and soft hands make him a red-zone nightmare and a perfect complement to Bowers. Smith gains a reliable outside threat, stretching defenses and opening lanes for Jeanty. McMillan’s polish and football IQ suggest he’ll contribute immediately, addressing a glaring need.
Round 3, Pick 68: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
The Raiders shift to defense, snagging Xavier Watts to bolster the secondary. Watts, a ball-hawking safety with seven interceptions in 2024, brings playmaking flair to a unit needing depth. His instincts and tackling ability align with Carroll’s defensive vision, offering a long-term starter alongside veterans like Marcus Epps.
Round 4, Pick 108: Isaiah Williams, WR, Illinois
Doubling down on receivers, the Raiders grab Isaiah Williams in Round 4. His quickness and route-running savvy add a slot option, diversifying the passing game. Williams’ knack for gaining yards after the catch pairs well with Smith’s precision, providing another weapon to exploit mismatches.
Round 6, Pick 180: Koi Perich, S, Minnesota
With their first sixth-round pick, the Raiders target Koi Perich, a versatile safety with upside. His athleticism and coverage skills make him a developmental gem, ideal for special teams and depth. Carroll’s track record with defensive backs suggests Perich could grow into a contributor.
Round 6, Pick 213: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The compensatory picks yield Jihaad Campbell, a linebacker with star potential. His speed and tackling prowess address a weak spot, giving the Raiders a future starter. Campbell’s ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage adds flexibility, enhancing the defense’s unpredictability.
Round 6, Pick 215: Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor
Next, the Raiders bolster the defensive line with Gabe Hall, a 6-foot-6 tackle with raw power. His size and strength clog running lanes, complementing Crosby and Graham (if selected earlier). Hall’s a project, but his physical tools intrigue Spytek for late-round value.
Round 7, Pick 222: Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
Closing out the draft, the Raiders add Luke Lachey, a tight end with blocking chops and receiving upside. He backs up Bowers, fitting Carroll’s two-tight-end sets. Lachey’s size and hands offer red-zone potential, rounding out a draft heavy on offensive firepower.
FAQs:
1. Why do the Raiders have the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Raiders earned the No. 6 pick after finishing the 2024 season with a 4-13 record, one of the league’s worst. The NFL determines draft order by reverse standings, with strength of schedule breaking ties. Their late-season struggles handed them a high selection, offering a chance to land a top-tier talent.
2. How does Geno Smith’s trade affect the Raiders’ draft strategy?
Denver Geno Smith’s arrival as quarterback stabilizes the position for 2025, reducing the urgency to draft a QB early. It allows the Raiders to focus on needs like wide receiver, running back, or defensive line at No. 6. However, they might still grab a mid-round quarterback to develop behind Smith for the long haul.
3. Should the Raiders take a running back like Ashton Jeanty at No. 6?
Alek Selecting Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 sparks debate due to positional value, but Pete Carroll’s run-heavy philosophy supports it. Jeanty’s elite production—2,601 yards in 2024—could transform the offense. Still, some argue waiting for a later round makes sense given the draft’s deep running back class.
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