Las Vegas Raiders (Last Year: 4-13)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Raiders made a strange decision to trade for Geno Smith this offseason. Given what they did, it’s apparent that they believe they can compete for the division right now, so they’ll need to find the best players available to help them do that. They have no viable running back or a No. 1 receiver. Their offensive line and secondary are both sorely in need of upgrades as well.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Raiders selected the best running back in the 2025 NFL Draft class, but that doesn’t mean it was a good decision. There were so many talented running backs available in the second round, so logic dictates that it was smart to wait on a runner. The Raiders disagreed, drafting Jeanty only to help Pete Carroll’s son, who is the running game coordinator on the Raiders. Drafting based on nepotism doesn’t seem like the best strategy.
The Raiders’ draft class didn’t improve following the Jeanty pick. I loved the Carlos Rogers selection, but that was the only one that scored above a B+. The Raiders had four choices that were “C” or worse, as they reached often throughout the weekend. The Raiders also made the mistake of passing on Shedeur Sanders repeatedly when he would have been a great option to groom behind Geno Smith.
This was not a great draft from the Raiders. It wasn’t terrible, but it was rather underwhelming.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
6. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State – C- Grade
I’m not crazy about this pick. Ashton Jeanty is obviously a great running back prospect, but I don’t think he’s on an elite level like Saquon Barkley or Christian McCaffrey. I would only draft those sort of players in the top 10. If I were the Raiders, I would have drafted Armand Membou instead or tried to trade down. However, I can’t grade Las Vegas poorly for this because Jeanty will be a very good player. Still, with Chip Kelly on the staff, couldn’t the Raiders have drafted one of the Ohio State backs with their second pick?
58. Jack Bech, WR, TCU – B+ Grade
No Shedeur Sanders is interesting. The Raiders needed to find a receiver after losing Davante Adams during the 2024 season. Jack Bech had a great Senior Bowl and answered some questions about his separation issues during the pre-draft process.
68. Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State – B Grade
Cornerback has been an issue for a long time. Perhaps Darien Porter will solve that issue. Porter is a big cornerback who fits this range, but there are some speed concerns with him.
98. Caleb Rogers, G, Texas Tech – A+ Grade
I love this pick. The Raiders are addressing their offensive line once again, which is automatically a plus. Caleb Rogers is an extremely agile offensive lineman who possesses insane upside. He was one of my favorite sleepers this year.
99. Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary – B+ Grade
I don’t like this offensive line pick as much as the Caleb Rogers selection, but I’m still a fan. Charles Grant is a quick and athletic blocker who was very consistent in school. The level of competition is a concern, but that’s why Grant lasted until the third round.
108. Dont’e Thornton, WR, Tennessee – C Grade
It makes sense for the Raiders to select a receiver, given that they need talent there in the wake of the Davante Adams trade. However, Dont’e Thornton is a bit of a reach at this spot. I thought he’d go in the sixth or seventh round despite his size and speed combination. Also, why pass up on Shedeur Sanders?
135. Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina – D Grade
The Raiders drafted an undersized defensive tackle over a potential franchise quarterback. Unreal. It’s going to be tough for Tonka Hemingway to stick in the NFL because he doesn’t have a natural position.
180. J.J. Pegues, DT, Ole Miss – B- Grade
J.J. Pegues is a versatile defensive lineman, but he struggled at the combine. Still, I don’t mind the Raiders drafting someone who can help them up front after all the injuries they suffered in that area last year.
213. Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State – B Grade
Tommy Mellott was getting some buzz late in the draft. He’s an interesting prospect, as he’s small but very mobile. Perhaps the Raiders can develop him.
215. Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State – C Grade
The Raiders sure love their Division I-AA quarterbacks. They’ll be using Tommy Mellott at receiver, while Cam Miller will be the developmental quarterback. However, Miller isn’t someone I believed should be drafted despite his great production at North Dakota State.
222. Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota – B Grade
Cody Lindenberg seems like a two-down player in the NFL. He needs to prove that he won’t be a complete liability in coverage. He makes sense here in the seventh round.
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