The 2025 NFL Draft presented a massive opportunity for the Las Vegas Raiders to fortify their roster with young talent that could accelerate their rebuild. With glaring needs across the offensive line, secondary, and quarterback room, expectations were sky-high. Throughout the draft weekend, the Raiders made bold moves, surprising many with their selections while addressing several of their roster deficiencies.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State – Round 1, Pick 6
Finally, after months of speculation and countless mock drafts, the Las Vegas Raiders made their opening move by selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick. Jeanty, often linked to Vegas during the draft buildup, officially became the face of their backfield. Leading up to the draft, rumors suggested the Raiders might focus on strengthening the trenches, but that turned out to be either a smokescreen or an alternative if Jeanty wasn’t available.
Going forward, Jeanty brings instant credibility to the Raiders’ offense.
He’s a dynamic, three-down back who fits any scheme but should thrive in Chip Kelly’s power-based running system. Critics will point to positional value concerns, given that drafting a running back inside the top 10 is traditionally frowned upon. However, in a draft class light on top-tier talent, securing a player capable of becoming a top-five NFL running back is immediately a win.
Grade: A
Jack Bech, WR, TCU – Round 2, Pick 58
Kicking off Day 2, the Raiders traded down twice, accumulating valuable picks before selecting TCU wideout Jack Bech at No. 58 overall. Bech is a highly productive, tough slot receiver who gives Las Vegas something they lacked: size and physicality over the middle.
Bech’s 2024 senior season saw him rack up 62 catches for nearly 1,035 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging an impressive 16.68 yards per reception. Those numbers nearly matched his combined output from his first three seasons, where he totaled 71 receptions. Despite lacking blazing speed, Bech’s reliable hands and ability to win contested catches make him an ideal safety valve for Geno Smith.
Grade: B+
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State – Round 3, Pick 68
The Raiders went back to defense at pick 68, selecting Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter. A towering athlete with a track background, Porter’s upside is tantalizing thanks to his exceptional length and man-coverage potential. Though raw, having transitioned late to the cornerback position, Porter’s fit in a Pete Carroll-influenced system offers hope he can be molded into a standout.
Porter’s combination of size, athleticism, and competitiveness gives him a chance to blossom into a starting outside cornerback — a premium position for a rebuilding secondary.
Grade: B
Caleb Rogers, G/T, Texas Tech – Round 3, Pick 98
With their first of two back-to-back picks at the end of Round 3, the Raiders took Texas Tech’s Caleb Rogers. Rogers offers versatility and a wealth of experience, having started 55 consecutive games across multiple positions. His resume includes 4,331 offensive snaps, all within Zach Kittley’s varied zone-heavy system.
Although he spent much of his college career at right tackle, Rogers has the mobility and strength to kick inside if needed. His athletic testing confirms that he has the movement skills to survive on the outside if the Raiders see him as a developmental tackle prospect.
Grade: B
Charles Grant, T, William & Mary – Round 3, Pick 99
One pick later, Las Vegas doubled down on the offensive line, selecting William & Mary tackle Charles Grant. A finalist for the 2024 Walter Payton Award, Grant developed from a raw 240-pound athlete into a premier blindside protector.
Despite facing lower competition at the FCS level, Grant’s tape showcases his rare athleticism and improving technical ability. He was a standout on the All-Juice Team and offers excellent value at this stage of the draft.
Grade: B+
Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee – Round 4, Pick 108
At the start of Day 3, the Raiders selected Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. with pick 108. Thornton’s combination of size (6-foot-5, 205 pounds) and speed (4.30-second 40-yard dash) is intoxicating.
Initially expected to contribute on special teams as a gunner, Thornton also profiles as a situational deep threat who can stretch the field vertically and help clear out underneath routes for players like Bech and Brock Bowers.
Grade: A-
The Armand Membou Surprise
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, many believed the Raiders would use their No. 6 overall pick on Armand Membou to reinforce their offensive line, the standout offensive tackle from Missouri.
Membou, who earned a 90.6 PFF grade in 2024 and was widely projected as a top-10 talent and had been frequently associated with the Raiders’ No. 6 overall pick. His impressive performance, including a 90.6 overall PFF grade in 2024, has made him a standout candidate to bolster the Raiders’ offensive line.
However, the Raiders surprised many by selecting running back Ashton Jeanty instead, opting to bolster their running game rather than the offensive line.
While Missouri’s Membou didn’t land in silver and black, the BetMGM bonus code Missouri will come in handy for Missouri fans as they currently have two other players still eager to support their Tigers-turned-pros, especially with players like Kristian Wilkerson and Sam Webb from Missouri already representing Mizzou and contributing to the Raiders.
Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina – Round 4, Pick 135
The Raiders continued to strengthen their defensive front by drafting Tonka Hemingway from South Carolina at pick 135. Hemingway’s versatility stands out; he lined up all over the defensive line for the Gamecocks but found the most success at defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme.
His high pass rush win rate highlights his ability to get upfield quickly and disrupt plays in the backfield, although questions about his tweener status persist.
Grade: B-
JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss – Round 6, Pick 180
At the top of Round 6, the Raiders returned to the trenches by selecting Ole Miss defensive tackle JJ Pegues. Pegues isn’t a traditional space-eater; instead, he moves remarkably well for his 310-pound frame.
While he must improve his counter moves to become more than a rotational piece, Pegues’ ability to line up at different spots along the defensive front and his athleticism make him an intriguing developmental prospect.
Grade: C+
Tommy Mellott, WR, Montana State – Round 6, Pick 213
The Raiders’ sixth-round pick at 213 brought in a Swiss Army knife from Montana State — Tommy Mellott. A quarterback by trade, Mellott amassed 9,720 passing yards with 81 touchdowns to just 19 interceptions, while also rushing for 2,277 yards and 48 touchdowns over his collegiate career.
Mellott’s future in the NFL likely lies as a wide receiver and return specialist, drawing comparisons to Julian Edelman — a testament to the Tom Brady influence within the Raiders’ front office.
Grade: B
Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State – Round 6, Pick 215
Two picks later, Las Vegas grabbed North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller at No. 215 overall. Miller, the son of a football coach, operated as a cerebral game manager at NDSU, consistently improving his timing, decision-making, and production each year.
Although he lacks elite arm strength and faced lower-tier competition, Miller’s intelligence and steady development make him a solid backup quarterback candidate for the Raiders.
Grade: C+
Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota – Round 7, Pick 222
With their final selection, the Raiders addressed one last major need, selecting Minnesota linebacker Cody Lindenberg at pick 222. Lindenberg posted 7.8 tackles per game over the past two seasons, showcasing his ability to impact both the run and the pass game.
His athletic frame and explosion make him a strong special teams candidate initially, with the potential to grow into a contributor on defense.
Grade: B
A Foundation for the Future With a Few Big Swings
The Las Vegas Raiders went into the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear mission to add playmakers and build out the foundation of their next competitive roster. While not without risk, the bold selection of Ashton Jeanty set the tone for a weekend that emphasized dynamic, versatile talent.
Overall, the Raiders addressed critical needs across the offensive and defensive lines, wide receiver group, and quarterback room, while also managing to extract additional picks through shrewd trades. The balance of safe picks like Jack Bech and developmental upside like Darien Porter and Tommy Mellott gives this class both floor and ceiling.
Overall Grade: B+
The Raiders’ 2025 draft class positions them to take a noticeable step forward in the 2025 season and sets the table for an even brighter long-term future.