The 2025 NFL Draft is approaching, and the Las Vegas Raiders have the sixth pick. This is a breakdown of their team needs and potential players they could select in the Draft.
State of the Union
The Raiders are starting a brand new era of their franchise in 2025, from the top down. A percentage of the team ownership was sold off to a group that includes Tom Brady, who will now be involved in some team decisions. They hired a new head coach, the legendary and Super Bowl-winning Pete Carroll. They also decided to invest seriously in the quarterback position for the first time since Derek Carr left, bringing in Geno Smith to reunite him with Carroll. The Raiders also re-signed their franchise pass rusher, Maxx Crosby, who many thought could be moved in a trade. Las Vegas nailed its 2024 first-round draft pick, Brock Bowers, and is hoping that if it scores again in this draft, it could have a competitive team next season.
Free Agency Recap
Departures
S Tre’von Moehrig (Panthers) – Moehrig had been with the Raiders since they drafted him in 2021. Las Vegas opted to let him walk and he ended up signing with the Panthers. Moehrig’s production was up and down at times, but he was a constant on the field last season, leaving a big hole in the secondary.
LB Robert Spillane (Patriots) – Spillane spent two seasons in Las Vegas and was a major contributor at linebacker. Spillane’s production was solid, but he was also a massive leader on that defense. The Raiders will need to replace both of those aspects this offseason.
CB Nate Hobbs (Packers) – Hobbs was also a 2021 draft pick by the Raiders, just like Moehrig. He started the 2024 season as the Raiders’ top corner, and while injuries and other factors never allowed him to quite meet his potential, Hobbs’ spot in the secondary will need to be filled.
Key Additions
QB Geno Smith (Seahawks) – The biggest addition of the Raiders’ offseason was Geno Smith. There was speculation that the Raiders would look to draft one of the quarterbacks in the 2025 class, which they still could do, but they are likely confident rolling with Smith and Aidan O’Connell as the backup. Smith will reunite with his old head coach, Pete Carroll, and look to bring a veteran presence to the Raiders’ offense that they have been missing the past few seasons.
RB Raheem Mostert (Dolphins) – The Raiders used a combination of Zamir White, Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah at running back last season. The group never quite met expectations, so the Raiders moved on from Mattison and Abdullah and brought in veteran Raheem Mostert. However, they would still like to add more to this room in the draft, most likely.
S Jeremy Chinn (Commanders) – The Raiders effectively filled Tre’von Moehrig’s role already this offseason. Chinn had a solid season in 2024 with the Commanders and could fill in seamlessly in Moehrig’s old spot.
LBs Devin White (Texans), Elandon Roberts (Steelers) – Neither of these players are the players they once were earlier in their careers. However, as a duo, they will bring a lot of experience and toughness to the Raiders’ linebacker group. They could still look to add some youth to the position in the draft but these are two solid additions to the defense.
Team Needs
Wide Receiver – The Raiders’ 2024 first-round pick, tight end Brock Bowers, had an incredible 2024-25 season. He was the Raiders’ leading receiver in every category. Jakobi Meyers is a good wide receiver but not good enough to be the WR1 of a great offense. The Raiders could be aggressive and get a top-tier wide receiver to take this offense to the next level.
Running Back – Whether the Raiders add another wide receiver or not, they also need another running back. Taking a chance on a young back in the draft could really benefit Geno Smith’s offense.
Linebacker – Despite bringing in Devin White and Elandon Roberts, the Raiders need some youth in their linebacker room.
Potential Draft Picks
WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) – Tetairoa McMillan could be the perfect choice for the Raiders at No. 6. McMillan is the best pure wide receiver in the draft. He has a fantastic catch radius and great hands. He isn’t the speediest wide receiver, but he still finds a way to create separation. He could be the perfect pairing with Bowers and Meyers.
RB Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) – Ashton Jeanty would be another great pick for the Raiders. It has become unpopular to use top picks on running backs, but Jeanty is a potentially generational running back. He had a magical season at Boise State, finishing second in the Heisman race and leading his team to the College Football Playoff. Jeanty and Bowers could be the future of this offense with Geno Smith at the helm.
