The 2025 NFL draft is less than two weeks away and the Raiders are going to (again) be one of the most difficult teams to project.
With needs all over the roster, the Raiders could go in a lot of different directions in round one of the draft, and with new leadership in the building, it’s difficult to predict how the organization is going to go about re-tooling the roster under head coach Pete Carroll.
As always, there has been no shortage of conjecture around the draft, and these are some of latest quotes around the Raiders from analysts around the league.
Still plenty of buzz around Ashton Jeanty
“During Carroll’s 14-year tenure in Seattle, the franchise took six offensive players in the first round, including four linemen and a running back. In 2023 — his final draft as coach there — the Seahawks selected wideout Jaxson Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who both made the Pro Bowl this past season. While taking running back Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) seems like the most logical move, don’t be surprised if the Raiders decide to take an offensive lineman or cornerback.” – Ryan McFadden, ESPN
“Jeanty and the Raiders are one of the most linked pairings in this draft. It makes sense because Las Vegas could use another instant-impact offensive threat along with tight end Brock Bowers, and Carroll isn’t afraid to use first-round capital on running backs (see Rashaad Penny). Cornerback could be another position the Raiders target early, especially if they decide to trade down from No. 6. Multiple league sources have mentioned Jahdae Barron (Texas) as an option if the Raiders trade back.” – Jordan Reid, ESPN
Mel Kiper is buying the Jeanty buzz to the Raiders
“Last in rushing yards per game at 79.8. Last in yards per rush at 3.6. Tied for the second-fewest runs of 10 or more yards with 34. That’s what Las Vegas produced on the ground last season. New coach Pete Carroll is going to want much more out of his run game, and Jeanty could immediately flip the script. He displayed excellent speed, contact balance and vision en route to 2,601 rushing yards last season. He could be an elite three-down back in the NFL. Maybe add another receiver on Day 2 of the draft, and this would suddenly be a very interesting offense with Jeanty, Geno Smith, Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers.” – Mel Kiper, ESPN
Could the Bears be a potential trade partner for the Raiders?
“The Bears love Ashton Jeanty, according to scouts around the league who’ve observed the team’s activity this offseason. So the Boise State running back could be the pick at No. 10… if he’s still around.” – Matt Miller, ESPN
Armand Membou a name to watch at pick 6?
“The Raiders feel good about their offensive line, but Spytek loves linemen and won’t hesitate to upgrade the unit. Insert [Armand] Membou, a 6-foot-4, 332-pounder who possesses a freakish combination of athleticism, strength and agility. He was a two-year starter at Missouri and spent the majority of his time at right tackle. He’ll be just 21 this season and has a ton of potential…”
“While he’d have to compete with incumbent starting right tackle DJ Glaze, Membou would likely be a day-one starter with the Raiders. Glaze would be an excellent swing tackle, as he can play both left and right tackle. Along with left tackle Kolton Miller, Membou could give Las Vegas a set of solid bookend tackles for the foreseeable future. The Athletic draft analyst Dane Brugler writes that “all the talent is there for (Membou) to become a long-term NFL starting tackle.” – Tashan Reid, The Athletic
Mason Graham on the Raiders’ radar with the no. 6 pick?
“If Mason Graham is there at six, I wouldn’t be surprised if [the Raiders] take him. I think they want to have that Eagles type defensive line. That would definitely be a clear strength for them, the guys who can rotate in and out. There would be a lot of talent in that D-line, I think, in Mason Graham. So that could be a strength… so I still think he’s a strong option there at six, even if Jeanty is on the board.” – Vic Tafur, The Athletic
SI’s Hondo Carpenter mocks Jalon Walker to the Raiders in round one
”Jeanty clearly has value at [pick] six, but we have Jalon as the best linebacker coming out since Micah Parsons, and we had Micah at the same grade as Khalil [Mack].” – anonymous NFL executive to Sports Illustrated
Pete Carroll loves cornerbacks, and Will Johnson could be an option in round one
“Cornerback Will Johnson (Michigan) and edge rusher Jalon Walker (Georgia) are expected to have heavy turnouts at private workouts on April 14 and 17, respectively. The extent of what they will do at those workouts is unclear, but scouts are eager to see both in action. Johnson’s long speed has been a lingering question mark for scouts. He was viewed as a potential top-five pick in the fall, but he missed the final six games of the season with a toe injury and sat out of Michigan’s pro day with a hamstring injury. Despite that, he’s still my No. 5 overall prospect and could go as high as No. 6 to the Raiders.” – Reid
Todd McShay’s 3.0 Mock Draft has Jeanty to the Raiders
“Jeanty is one of the five highest-graded football players in this draft, and Pete Carroll would love to have a more modern Raiders version of Beast Mode. Every team I’ve talked to has given Jeanty a top-six grade in this class—and many have him in the top three. His ability to generate yards on his own as a runner is well-documented and nothing short of remarkable. But I also see shades of Alvin Kamara when studying Jeanty’s receiving tape. He has soft hands and can transition upfield in a flash on outlets, screens, and swings. A true every-down dynamic player to pair in the backfield with new quarterback Geno Smith would give this Raiders offense a desperately needed shot in the arm.” – Todd McShay
Could Will Howard go earlier in the draft than he’s being projected?
“How the h— do people not like you as the No. 1 quarterback in the draft? You’re like a young Josh Allen.” – Jon Gruden on Ohio State quarterback Will Howard
x: @raidersbeat