News Raiders Team Notes

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Draft best and worst: Omarion Hampton, Jahdae Barron add young star power to AFC West

The Los Angeles Chargers added a powerful running back in North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton with the 22nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday. | Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

Chargers, Broncos add impact first rounders; Chiefs fortify front lines

Thanks to the 2025 NFL Draft this past weekend, there’s a lot of young star power in the league. All 32 teams are optimistic their prospects will develop into impact players and, at this part of the offseason, hope is a good thing.

The AFC West certainly added intriguing talent.

For a division that saw three teams make the playoffs — one of two with the NFC North being the other to see a trio of squads make the postseason dance — the pecking order is at stake. The Kansas City Chiefs remain the top team in the division (15-2 overall, Super Bowl loss), with the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) and Denver Broncos (10-7) nipping at KC’s heels.

The Las Vegas Raiders (4-13) were the cellar dweller but are eyeing something more than another last-place finish.

Three AFC West teams now have drafted running backs in the first two rounds.

Raiders: Ashton Jeanty
Chargers: Omarion Hampton
Broncos: RJ Harvey https://t.co/aAOZqFKkka

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2025​

That said, let’s engage in an AFC West draft digest. We’ll explore the best and worst picks from the four teams as well as a prospect to keep an eye on.

Denver Broncos​

Best pick: Jahdae Barron, Cornerback, Texas (No. 20 overall). A secondary that features shutdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II, Barron gives Denver an inside-outside defender than can play the boundary or slot as a cornerback. The 5-foot-11 and 194-pounder can also dabble at safety giving the Broncos a brash, confident, and tenacious ballhawk who can tackle. That’s all prerequisite traits to be a defensive back in today’s pass-happy NFL.

Worst pick: Pat Bryant, Wide Receiver, Syracuse (No. 74 overall). Bringing good size at 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, Bryant has strong hands and is confident. But he’s not going to scare teams with his average speed or separation skills. He’s a possession receiver who struggled to separate from defensive backs in college. Bryant’s lack of dynamic athleticism is only going to become more apparent in the pros.

Totally agree with this breakdown from Coach Sanford on WR Pat Bryant.

Nothing jumps out on tape. High floor, low ceiling player.

At some point the Broncos are gonna need to find their difference maker at WR pic.twitter.com/Xt1pfTxOAc

— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) April 28, 2025​

Keep an eye on: RJ Harvey, Running Back, UCF (No. 60 overall). Broncos head coach and play caller Sean Payton is going to take advantage of this 5-foot-8 and 205-pound tailback’s speed as both runner and pass catcher. Harvey can make defenders miss and has the jets to make the defense pay for any miscues.

Kansas City Chiefs​

Best pick: Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State (No. 32 overall). A very nimble tackle at 6-foot-5 and 317 pounds, the Chiefs get a versatile offensive lineman that can either play left or right tackle. Pass protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes was in issue — especially in the Super Bowl loss — and Simmons ability to mirror defenders is a huge plus. Simmons also has plus movement skills as a run blocker.

Worst pick: Omarr Norman-Lott, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee (No. 63 overall). A rotation player on the Volunteers defensive line, this compact 6-foot-2 and 291-pounder is undisciplined and erratic. A full-time role may never be on the horizon. Talent is there but a second-round selection is a bit steep. It’ll take the Chiefs coaching staff to be dedicated to unlock the potential.

Tennessee DI Omarr Norman-Lott (55) is a disruptive bull with nice hand technique, excellent leverage and gap-shifting agility, and constant forward motion. His NFL coaches might want 10% more control and 10% less anarchy, but he's got the tools. pic.twitter.com/g29olNAqm6

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 24, 2025​

Keep an eye on: Jalen Royals, Wide Receiver, Utah State (No. 133 overall). Fast (4.42 speed) and good size (6-feet, 205 pounds), this wideout is smooth, physical, and can track the ball in flight with the best of them. That combines into yet another intriguing weapon for head coach Andy Reid and Mahomes. Yikes.

Los Angeles Chargers​

Best pick: Omarion Hampton, Running Back, North Carolina (No. 22 overall). An absolute bruising ball carrier at 5-foot-11 and 211 pounds, the Bolts land a tailback who is patient with power and speed. A complete back who can run inside and out and also catch the rock, Hampton gives Jim Harbaugh is own variant of Beast Mode.

Worst pick: Jamaree Caldwell, Defensive Tackle, Oregon (No. 86 overall). A nose tackle or three technique? The 6-foot-2 and 332-pounder not only has a bit of an identity crisis, but the game tape during Caldwell’s years at Oregon was hit and miss. A rotational player that’s likely taken too high, he may just be a rotational nose tackle.

Jamaree Caldwell was drafted in round 3 pick 86 in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 3.49 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1324 out of 2033 DT from 1987 to 2025. https://t.co/HI0KXYVrpi pic.twitter.com/CL5UJluBgK

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 26, 2025​

Keep an eye on: Oronde Gadsen II, Tight End, Syracuse (No. 165 overall). With excellent size at 6-foot-5 and 241 pounds and strong NFL bloodlines, the Chargers were missing a tight end to challenge defenses up the seam. With plus athleticism, soft hands, and a big catch radius, Gadsen has the skillset to be a productive possession tight end.

Las Vegas Raiders​

Best pick: Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State (No. 6 overall). It’s not a question if this talented tailback gets carries. It’s a query of just how many. A workhorse running back who is explosive, has elite contact balance, is is stout at 5-foot-9 and 211 pounds, we’ll see if Jeanty lives up to lofty comparison bestowed upon him.

Worst pick: Tonka Hemingway, Defensive Tackle, South Carolina (No. 135 overall). A tweener at 6-foot-3 and 284 pounds, Hemingway may never have a true home as a defensive tackle. In order to maximize return on investment, he’ll likely play inside and out as he doesn’t have the chops to go constantly one-on-one in the league.

Tonka Hemingway is a DT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.46 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 110 out of 2022 DT from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/fw5wo0Ihks pic.twitter.com/KfzeP5cuDU

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 1, 2025​

Keep an eye on: Charles Grant, Offensive Tackle, William & Mary (No. 99 overall). Equipped with light feet and long arms, this 6-foot-5 and 309-pounder is very nimble with great range. Grant is a strong fit in Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s scheme. He’ll need to pack on muscle but he has the makings of a future starter if he develops.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/3/24419558/raiders-draft-2025-afc-west-omarion-hampton

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2025: Linebacker group light on experience post-free agency and draft

At 31 years old, Elandon Roberts is the most experienced linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s a young group overall and there’s potential for players to step up this coming season. | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Elandon Roberts, Devin White lead a young core in Las Vegas; A look at available options

Elandon Roberts and Devin White.

That duo are the elder statesmen of the Las Vegas Raiders linebacker group at age 31 and 27, respectively. Both were signed in free agency to one-year deals to add much-needed experience and veteran presences in the linebacker room — one that is young and light on NFL snaps.

Of the seven linebackers officially on the Raiders roster — that number doesn’t consider the undrafted free agents Las Vegas reportedly came to terms with, mind you — five are 24 years old and under. Six are incumbents and only one is a brand-new addition: Cody Lindenberg, a seventh-round selection by the Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Minnesota.

General manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll waiting until the final stanza in the draft and inking Roberts and White without any other moves is quite telling. It seems the starters are amongst the group of seven — including the undrafted prospects. And offseason competition will determine the finality of things.

Considering all that, it’s not outside the realm of possibility for Roberts and White to impress and lead the pack this offseason and earn starting spots in defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s defense. One that used the 4-2-5 alignment extensively meaning there were rarely three linebackers on the field at the same time.

Las Vegas Raiders Linebackers:

• Elandon Roberts, 31 years old, 10th season
• Devin White, 27, 7th season
• Amari Burney, 24, 3rd season
• Amari Gainer, 24, 2nd season
• Tommy Eichenberg, 24, 2nd season
• Brandon Smith, 24, 2nd season
• Cody Lindenberg, 23, Rookie

#Raiders roster move:

- Signed unrestricted free agent LB Devin White (@DevinWhite__40)@Raiders | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/hIJvgI3Q7r

— Raiders PR (@RAIDERS_PR) March 31, 2025​

The “Old” Heads​

Between Roberts and White, the older duo brings a bevy of NFL games, starts, and snaps. Roberts has 140 career games and 105 starts to his name (17 games played, 14 started with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024) along with 4,223 defensive snaps over his nine-year career.

White has 83 career games and 76 starts under his belt (a career-low seven games played with one start in 2024 with the Houston Texans). He’s got 5,042 defensive snaps over his six years in the league.

You can combine the games played, starts, and snaps of the rest of the linebackers on the Raiders roster and it won’t even come remotely close Roberts’ and White’s tallies.

Roberts is expected to be the starting middle linebacker this coming season due to his physical play style and aggressive demeanor. He’s a classic two-down thumper that punishes the offense and our Matt Holder did an excellent job of breaking down how much of a human battering ram the linebacker truly is.

White, meanwhile, has the look of a classic Silver & Black first-round reclamation project. After having a productive first four years in the league with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (he was taken with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 draft — after the Raiders picked Clelin Ferrell), white began to drop off with career-low marks in 2024 with the Texans.

Spytek was part of the Bucs front office that picked White, so familiarity is there. And if White still has the athleticism and tackle-machine capability, he can claim the other starting spot alongside Roberts.

#Raiders roster move:

- Signed unrestricted free agent LB Devin White (@DevinWhite__40)@Raiders | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/hIJvgI3Q7r

— Raiders PR (@RAIDERS_PR) March 31, 2025​

Youth & Other Options​

Eichenberg, Gainer, Burney, and Lindenberg should be hungry and motivated this offseason. Eichenberg, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft has good size at 6-foot-2 and 239 pounds to be an inside linebacker. Burney, an athletic 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds and a 2023 sixth-round pick, has the speed to be an outside linebacker.

Gainer also offers solid size at 6-foot-3 and 236 pounds with plus athleticism. And Lindenberg, who stands 6-foot-2 and 236 pounds, showcased the tackling ability and leadership skills to captain a defense with the Golden Gophers.

But unless that group showcases the ability to operate in the scheme Graham and linebackers coach John Glenn are putting together and prove they can outperform the veterans in front of them, it’s an uphill climb for starting spots. Backups and special teams work appears on the horizon.

There's something about #45 Cody Lindenberg game. Noth of these plays are 3rd and 1 and 3rd and 2. He makes sure he communicates with everyone and you can tell based on formation and film study he knows the plays. pic.twitter.com/J7ZD4Vgu4y

— Leger Douzable (@LegerDouzable) April 9, 2025​

The free agent market is thin with veterans C.J. Mosely, Ja’whuan Bentley, and De’Vondre Campbell the top inside linebackers available. (Mosely does have a neck issue, though). It gets even thinner at outside linebacker where most are pass-rush types, however, Duke Riley, Nick Vigel, and Kamu Grugier-Hill are more off-ball types that are available.

With the market being so barren, rolling with what the Raiders have thus far and awaiting camp cuts down the road is the best route.

Carroll has preached competition and earning snaps ever since he was hired to right the Raiders ship alongside Spytek, so we’ll see how it plays out soon enough. An open competition can result in the entire group pushing each other giving Las Vegas the ability to pick the best two or three to start.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...iders-2025-defense-elandon-roberts-linebacker

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

News: Raiders’ front office gets major boost, hiring Anthony Patch from Eagles

Las Vegas Raiders | Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Las Vegas adds well-respected scout who had been in Philadelphia since 2002

The Las Vegas Raiders announced they’re hiring Anthony Patch as a senior personnel executive on Monday. Patch was previously the Philadelphia Eagles’ longest-tenured scouting staff member, per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, and most recently served as the Eagles’ director of college scouting.

Anthony Patch has joined the Las Vegas Raiders as a Senior Personnel Executive.https://t.co/zObXK1C0Ek

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 5, 2025​

While plenty of scouts and front office members will be on the move in the coming days, and some already have landed new jobs, this addition is significant for the Raiders. Patch projects to be a major boost to the scouting department as he was a prominent fixture in the Super Bowl Champion’s front office, according to Lane.

“[Patch] did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Eagles declined to comment, but a source said that the team was sad to see Patch go but understood that taking what amounted to a promotion with the Raiders was best for him professionally and personally,” Lane wrote.

“...Patch may not be familiar to many outside the NovaCare Complex, but he has been one of general manager Howie Roseman’s most trusted aides and has been a key figure in the Eagles’ recent drafting success.”

Philadelphia has become known for finding gems in the draft over the last few years, which the director of college scouting obviously played a significant role in. For example, 16 starters from the Eagles’ Super Bowl roster were drafted by the club. Also, that doesn’t include linebacker Nakobe Dean, who was injured for the big game, and defensive lineman Brandon Graham, who was coming off an injury and didn’t start in the contest.

Additionally, Patch played a significant role in putting together Philly’s 2017 Championship squad, as he was named the Eagles’ director of college scouting the previous year.

Patch is connected to Raiders’ general manager John Spytek. Those two worked together as young scouts in Philadelphia from 2005 to 2009, and the Eagles made the playoffs three times in those five years.

The Raiders provided more information on the new senior personnel executive’s background, as seen below.

Patch comes to Las Vegas from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was a part of two Super Bowl Championship teams. He most recently served as the team’s senior director of college scouting since 2016 and previously held the titles of director of college scouting (2012-15), assistant director of college scouting (2010-11), West Coast Area scout (2003-09) and college scouting coordinator (2002).

Prior to joining the Eagles, he began working in the NFL in 2001 as an intern in the Miami Dolphins’ personnel department. Patch was a four-year player at defensive line and linebacker at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where he earned a degree in finance before going on to earn an MBA from the University of Montana in 2001.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ers-anthony-patch-hired-front-office-scouting

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Film room: Grant a long, athletic project in trenches

Charles Grant | Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Breaking down the third-round pick’s game

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek was playing the long game in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by using the 99th overall selection on William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant.

Granted dominated his competition last season, earning a 91.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which led all FCS offensive tackles. He posted a mark of 90.4 as a run blocker (second-highest) and 88.1 in pass protection (seventh-best), while surrendering just nine pressures (two sacks) in 12 games.

However, the William & Mary product will be making a steep jump in competition and needs to improve his technique before he’s ready for action in the NFL. Luckily, the Raiders don’t have an immediate need at offensive tackle with Kolton Miller and DJ Glaze returning this season, and Grant’s athleticism and 34¾-inch arms give him a high ceiling.

So, let’s dive into the tape and see what he can bring to the table.

Charles Grant's film is filled with impressive reach/backside cut-off blocks in the run game. Beats the DT in the B-gap here #Raiders pic.twitter.com/fZuZR5exBM

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 5, 2025​

Grant can be a very effective zone run blocker as his tape is littered with impressive reach blocks and backside cut-offs, as the latter is seen above.

The Tribe call an outside zone run to the right, which makes him responsible for cutting off a 2-technique defensive tackle, lined up head up on guard.

That means the offensive tackle is at a significant disadvantage pre-snap since he has to cover a lot of ground laterally while the defender can just work straight up the field. Granted, Grant does get some help with the defensive tackle slanting into the B-gap post-snap, but the defender still has inside positioning to tilt the battle in his favor.

That’s where Grant’s quickness and agility come into play as he works across the defensive tackle’s face, flips his hips and seals the defensive tackle outside to help create a backside cutback lane for the running back.

What makes this rep even more impressive is that Grant false steps out of his stance, where he steps inside his stance with his right foot instead of gaining ground laterally or using a bucket step, yet he still effectively executes the block. That will need to get cleaned up at the next level, but the movement skills are there to work with.

Good example of Charles Grant's upper body and core strength to toss the DE out the club #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/52s7ckCJSb

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 5, 2025​

This time, Grant is on the front side of the outside zone call and shows off some impressive strength.

He’s responsible for reach blocking the defensive end, but this time, he doesn't get to the edge to seal the defensive end. Instead, the offensive tackle shows off some impressive upper body and core strength to generate some torque and toss the defender out of the way to execute his assignment; get the defensive end out of the C-gap.

Now, this type of move is going to be a lot harder to pull off against NFL-level competition. But the strength to pull this off, even at the FCS level, is good to see as it helps lay the foundation for him to build on and develop down the line.

Love the athleticism by Charles Grant to seal the LB (who has the pre-snap leverage advantage), but do want to see him keep the hands tight on the block #Raiders pic.twitter.com/RXT4ofFx6H

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 5, 2025​

This next clip is similar to the first one, where Grant is on the backside of outside zone and responsible for cutting off a defender who has a pre-snap advantage by lining up inside of him. Only this rep is more impressive as he’s working up to the second level to block a linebacker and still manages to create the cutback line by beating the backer inside.

However, Grant does have a bad habit of shooting his hands wide and gets flagged for holding here. Had he kept his hands tight and inside/on the defender’s chest instead of bear-hugging the defender, this would be a perfect rep that results in a good gain on the ground. This is another area where the William & Mary product’s technique could use some fine-tuning.

Excellent combo block from Charles Grant, turns DE's shoulders to help the G & cuts off the LB to create the outside rushing lane #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/kXWIxXbrIv

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 5, 2025​

We’ll get an additional example of Grant working up to the second level, just via a combo block this time.

At the line of scrimmage, he does an excellent job of using his inside arm to turn the defensive lineman’s outside shoulder and help the guard get outside positioning on the block. Then, the offensive tackle cuts off the linebacker and seals the backer inside, putting the finishing touches on the outside rushing lane for the running back.

Nice blitz pickup from Charles Grant, sees DE work inside and picks up the blitzer off the edge #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/WVS2vaLaFb

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 5, 2025​

Moving onto pass protection, Grant’s football intelligence stands out as he’s effective at sniffing out line games and/or blitzes to effectively pick them up. We’ll get a good example of the latter here.

Pre-snap, it looks like he senses the defense is up to something as he taps his hip. Most likely, and this is a guess without knowing the offense, Grant is telling the running back that he’ll pick up the blitzer off the edge, so the back can just scan the interior of the line before releasing on his route.

Post-snap, Grant eyes the defensive end initially. But once he sees the defensive end work inside, he knows his pre-snap intuition was correct and gets his eyes outside to pick up the blitzer off the edge. As a result, the defense’s play-call is ineffective and the quarterback has plenty of time to throw down the field for an explosive play.

Charles Grant with an excellent rep vs an inside move, washing the OLB down and finishing with the OLB on the ground #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/f5bKBCOvhn

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 5, 2025​

Finally, the third-round pick’s athleticism also stands out as a pass blocker, allowing him to redirect and win against inside moves from edge rushers.

He’s going up against a wide-9-technique on this rep, where the outside linebacker is lined up well outside the offensive line. A lot of pass-rushers do that to get offensive tackles to overset or work too far laterally, opening up an inside pass-rush lane. It looks like that was this edge-rusher’s goal as he takes two steps up the field before working inside.

However, Grant trusts his feet and stays patient and under control to avoid oversetting. Then, once the rusher goes inside, he plants his outside foot in the ground and uses his hands to stay in front of the rusher. Finally, Grant’s athleticism comes into play as he redirects, opens his hips and washes the defender to the other side of the line before finishing the play by putting the defender on the ground.

Overall, the 99th overall pick needs some development before he’s ready to hit the field in the NFL. But his physical traits and athleticism give him a high ceiling to develop into a starter down the line.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...025-charles-grant-william-mary-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders roster: Fans happy with defensive tackles

Adam Butler

Las Vegas added depth to position in draft

There will be a lot of change on the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense in the 2025 season and that includes at the defensive tackle position.

And it seems like fans are satisfied with the changes at that position. We recently asked our readers for their thoughts about the Raiders’ moves at defensive tackle.

In a poll with more than 400 votes cast, 81 percent of the voters are happy with the way the defensive-tackle position is set up while 19 percent aren’t impressed.

The Raiders paid some attention to their defensive tackle room during the NFL draft last weekend. They selected South Carolina’s Tonka Hemingway in the fourth round and then with their next pick, they took Mississippi’s JJ Pegues in the sixth round.

Neither may be ready to try to start as rookies, but both should compete to be rotational players right away and both are versatile. They should both make the 53-man roster.

Assuming he will be healthy, 2024 free-agent prize Christian Wilkins will anchor the position. The other returning veterans are Adam Butler, Jonah Laula, Matthew Butler and Zach Carter. They also signed Leki Fotu as a free agent. Laki Tasi was signed as a developmental player this week,

if this group can stay healthy and the young players make strides, it should be a solid unit.

Here are some of your responses. Sign up and go to the comments section.

BowersHasPowers
"Tonka" is such an awesome name for a d-lineman. It will be interesting seeing how he is deployed. Could play inside and/or outside.
SnB Stop the Run
Wilkins, Butler, Tonya, Pegues and Laula. Pegues might also be used as an edge as well. What happens to Tyree Wilson?
We still lack a NT that will occupy double teams and clog running lanes.
But the Raiders have the next best thing with rotational pieces that will stay fresh for 4 QTRs and Wilkins plays a lot of snaps when healthy.
The D-Line is good enough if Wilkins can get back into form.
RaiderCode
Crowded​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/7/24422564/raiders-roster-2025-defensive-tackles

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Ranking Raiders by position

Brock Bowers | Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

How does the roster stack up after the draft?

Let’s take a look at the Las Vegas Raiders’ roster by position after the draft:

Tight end:

Brock Bowers is an elite player. That mean they are set at tight end. Of course, they also have Michael Mayer and free-agent addition Ian Thomas. If Mayer, a third-year player, can make strides and live up to the expectations that where there when he was the No. 35 overall pick in the draft two years ago, the Raiders will be in even better shape at tight end.

Defensive line:

Remember, there was a lot of excitement about this unit last year and it quickly dissipated when Malcolm Koonce and Christian Wilkins were injured. They are supposed to be healthy in 2025 and Maxx Crosby is back after ending last season on the injured reserve, the first time he’s missed playing time in the NFL. If this group gets a dose of good health luck, it should be one of the team’s shining lights.

Running back:

What an upgrade No.1 pick Ashton Jeanty will be over what the Raiders had last season as they have the weakest running game in the league in the first season without Josh Jacobs. Jeanty gives the Raiders’ a stout, legitimate running game again. That’s why it’s OK that Las Vegas used such a high pick at the position, Backups like free-agent addition Raheem Mostert and players like Sincere McCormick, Zamir White and Dylan Laube should round out this revamped unit.

Quarterback:

This is another position that is much better than the Raiders’ 2024 version. Of course, Geno Smith is a big reason why the Raiders’ offense should be so improved in 2025. Aidan O’Connell and drafted small-school player Cam Miller in the sixth round should round out this group. As long, as names like Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder don’t come in play, this should be an improved area.

Offensive line:

There is a chance, by the end of the season, this unit could be ranked much higher. It’s really a work in progress and it depends on how some younger players continue to develop and how the starting unit stays healthy. There is, no doubt, there that it should be a deeper unit after the drafting of Caleb Rogers and Charles Green in the third round. But for this season, there are some questions that we need to be answered. But there are reasons to be hopeful about this group.

Wide receiver:

This is another group that could be pretty good as thigns develop. Las Vegas added young ability in the draft with Jack Bech in the second round, Dont’e Thornton in the fourth and Tommy Mellott in the sixth. Bech and Thornton should certainly make the team and Mellott could make it as well. Bech could start opposite rock-solid starter Jakobi Meyers. There are other pieces here. It will be fascinating to watch this group evolve during the season and how quickly young players can develop to determine just how productive this group will be. While health is pivotal everywhere, it’s very important a player like Meyers stays healthy.

Secondary:

We take a step lower here in terms of expectations. The Raiders are pretty young and don’t have a ton of set high-end performance experience other than new safety Jeremy Chinn. Fast development and health have been key words in this exercise and there are paramount to the success of the Raiders’ secondary in 2025.

Linebacker:

There was major upheaval at this position and the shake out is veterans Elandon Roberts and Devin White, who both signed one-year deals, as the replacements for free-agent departures Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo. Both Roberts and White are decent starters, but are not dynamic at this point. the Raiders have unproven youth behind them. This could be a problem spot with some bad luck.

Conclusion:

The Raiders’ offense should be much more productive and with Bowers, Jeanty and Smith, it has a chance to be open some eyes. The defense has more questions marks. Overall, yes, it will come down to health and development to see how much Pete Carroll can get out of this roster in his first season in Las Vegas.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/8/24420589/ranking-raiders-position-2025-season

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders start signing draft picks including Ashton Jeanty

Ashton Jeanty | Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Minicamp starts Friday

The Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie minicamp starts Friday, so it’s no surprise that the team has started signing players from their draft class.

The team announced they have signed quarterback Cam Miller, a sixth-round pick. He has a chance to be the No. 3 quarterback this season on the 53-man roster.

They have also signed sixth-round pick, defensive tackle JJ Pegues of Ole Miss.

They just signed seventh-round pick, Cody Lindenberg of Minnesota.

Now, they signed third-round pick, offensive lineman Caleb Rogers. That’s four.

Now, the Raiders took care of big business, inking first-round pick, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. That’s five.

NFL Media reports the deal is worth more than $35 million.

Ashton Jeanty, #Raiders No.6 overall pick, has signed his fully guaranteed four-year, $35,895,812 rookie deal with $22,746,044 signing bonus. Deal negotiated by @HenryOrgann & @Agent_Big_Al of @disruptivesport pic.twitter.com/pRiztYKueJ

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) May 8, 2025​

They have now inked fourth-round pick, defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway. That’s six.

Third-round pick, tackle Charles Grant has signed. Four to go.

Sixth-round pick, offensive weapon Tommy Mellot has signed. Three left and it seems like most of the deals are getting done tonight.

Check back for more draft-class signings.

To recap, here is the Las Vegas Raiders’ 11-player 2025 draft class:

• Round 1, Pick 6: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
• Round 2, Pick 58 (from HOU): TCU WR Jack Bech
• Round 3, Pick 68: Iowa State CB Darien Porter
• Round 3, Pick 98 (from MIA): Texas Tech G Caleb Rogers
• Round 3, Pick 99 (from HOU): William & Mary OT Charles Grant
• Round 4, Pick 108: Tennessee WR Dont’e Thornton Jr.
• Round 4, Pick 135 (from MIA): South Carolina DT Tonka Hemingway
• Round 6, Pick 180: Ole Miss DT JJ Pegues
• Round 6, Pick 213 (comp): Montana St QB/WR Tommy Mellott
• Round 6, Pick 215 (comp): North Dakota State QB Cam Miller
• Round 7, Pick 222: Minnesota LB Cody Lindenberg

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/8/24426505/raiders-news-signing-draft-picks-2025

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders May news tracker

Jaylon Smith | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

All the latest NFL news and rumors

We’re into the fifth month of the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 offseason after a 2024 season which didn’t go as hoped and the team is looking toward the future with the NFL draft complete and the second phase of free agency still happening. We’re collecting all the news, injury reports, signings, rumors, and everything you need to follow the Raiders and the NFL in the month of April.

We’ll update everything below in reverse chronological order:

May 9

5:14 p.m.: Jaylon Smith, who had a brief stint with the Raiders in 2023, is getting another shot in Las Vegas. The linebacker is participating in the team’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.

Former Cowboys and Giants LB Jaylon Smith, who last played in the NFL in 2023, is participating this weekend in the Raiders mini camp on a tryout basis. pic.twitter.com/0AeM5sRrm8

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 10, 2025​

3:01 p.m.: Congratulations on Raiders’ star tight end Brock Bowers on his college graduation at Georgia.

Brock is coming back to Vegas a degree hotter pic.twitter.com/LMItAdqsNk

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 9, 2025​

2:57 p.m.: The Raiders have waived receiver Jeff Foreman. He was injured last year.

#Raiders waived Jeff Foreman with failed physical designation

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 9, 2025​

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May 8

2:45 p.m.: : Quarterback Desmond Ridder, who finished last season with the Raiders, is now no longer trying out for the Broncos.

Report: Desmond Ridder no longer will attend Broncos’ rookie minicamp. https://t.co/DDZ0AdWGR3

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 8, 2025​

11:54 a.m.: The NFL will announce some early games before he entire 2025 schedule is released Wednesday at 5 p.m. PT.

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May 7

6:19 a.m.: Another wide receiver is available if the the Raiders are interested as the Jaguars have released Gabe Davis.

Jaguars have released WR Gabe Davis.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 7, 2025​

6:12 a.m.: The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The Raiders were rumored to have interest in Pickens earlier this offseason.

Cowboys now say they have agreed to terms to acquire WR George Pickens and a 2026 6th-round pick from the Steelers in exchange for a 2026 3rd-round pick and a 2027 5th-round pick. pic.twitter.com/7APly5YnFN

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 7, 2025​

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May 6

3:48 p.m.: Quarterback Desmond Ridder, who finished last season with the Raiders, is trying out for the Broncos.

Biggest name perhaps at Broncos rookie minicamp this weekend:
QB Desmond Ridder is getting a vet tryout with Broncos, per source. Former Univ. of Cincinnati star was Atlanta Falcons' 3rd-rd draft pick in 2022. Started 13 games in 2023. With Cardinals and Raiders last year.

— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) May 6, 2025​

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May 5

12:50 p.m.: Another front office addition, Anthony Patch has joined the Raiders’ front office as a Senior Personnel Executive. Patch and John Spytek were scouts together with the Eagles.

New @Raiders exec Anthony Patch and GM John Spytek spent five years together as young scouts in Philadelphia (2005-09). Patch has led the @Eagles' well-regarded college scouting department for nearly a decade. https://t.co/1uUwmuHjBz

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 5, 2025​

10:49 p.m.: The NFL announced that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Not to be confused with next year’s draft in Pittsburgh, PA.

It’s official.

The 2027 NFL Draft is headed to Washington, D.C.! pic.twitter.com/cM6nZ1Tg8B

— NFL (@NFL) May 5, 2025​

May 2

10:23 a.m.: The Raiders’ rookie numbers (and Daniel Carlson’s number change) are official.

#Raiders officially revealed jersey numbers for their 2025 rookie class.

Also, kicker Daniel Carlson has switched to No. 8. pic.twitter.com/MPHhGWFtQO

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) May 2, 2025​

6:51 a.m.: Raiders’ first-round pick Ashton Jeanty reportedly will wear No. 2. That would mean Daniel Carlson will have a new number if true.

Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty (@AshtonJeanty2) is wearing number 2. Last assigned to Daniel Carlson. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/pVrXOZXQld

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 1, 2025​

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May 1

2:27 p.m.: The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Raiders star tight end Brock Bowers isn’t attending the voluntary offseason because he is finishing his college degree at Georgia. Good for him.

For those who have asked: @Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is in Georgia, finishing up his college degree, so he has not been at the facility for voluntary workouts (for good reason, of course)

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) May 1, 2025​

10:34 a.m.: The Raiders signed wide receiver Collin Johnson. He was with New Raiders’ wide receiver coach Chris Beatty in Chicago last season. He has 31 catches in 38 NFL games. He is likely a longshot to make Las Vegas’ 53-man roster.

We have signed free agent WR Collin Johnson.

https://t.co/G1uN1JDZJ0 pic.twitter.com/qcloEjFp56

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 1, 2025​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/1/24421795/raiders-may-news-tracker-2025

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Mailbag: What grade do Spytek & Carroll deserve?

John Spytek, Pete Carroll | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Returning Raider Nation’s questions for the week

The offseason is officially winding down as free agency is in the books (for the most part), the 2025 NFL Draft was two weeks ago, and the Las Vegas Raiders are beginning their minicamps and OTAs this weekend. So, this week’s mailbag will focus on putting a bow on new general manager John Spytek’s and new head coach Pete Carroll’s first offseason in Las Vegas.

Q: How are you feeling about the Raiders' offseason efforts so far? Without grading on a curve, what grade do you give it?

A: In full disclosure, I’m in the camp of people who don’t think free agency or draft grades mean much until the players hit the field. But I do understand the logic behind them as a way to add context to an initial reaction or thoughts on the moves.

With that in mind, I’ll give Spytek and Carroll a B-. I think they deserve a C+ for free agency and a B for the draft to average out at a B-.

While it’s understandable that Spytek and Carroll weren't going to overpay for players in free agency, they did lose quite a bit of talent defensively and sat on a lot of cap space to earn a slightly above-average mark. For the draft, I like the haul overall, but also would have preferred to see them target more defensive players.

I still have questions about what the plan is at nickelback, linebacker, nose tackle and free safety to keep Syptek and Carroll out of the ‘A’ range heading into training camp.

Baman
Matt, in your opinion what off season move has had the most impact in shaping this team? Ownership, coach, GM or player(s)? Imo, and I hate to say this, but the ownership seems to be the thing that stands out, with Coach being second. But I am not sure we get the coach right without the ownership change.​

A: You touched on it, it’s easily ownership.

I feel pretty confident that Tom Telesco would still be the general manager had Tom Brady not come aboard, and it wouldn’t have surprised me if Mark Davis stuck with Antonio Pierce for another year. So, Brady becoming a minority owner had a domino effect on the entire offseason and ensuing moves.

Q: Do you think the Raiders will sign or trade for a veteran CB? Jalen Ramsey sure would be nice.

A: I’d be surprised if Las Vegas traded for Ramsey, considering how the new regime has operated so far this offseason. Reports surfaced this week that the Dolphins aren’t willing to eat some of his contract, and that’s been a roadblock in trade negotiations.

As mentioned above, the Raiders have been bargain hunting this spring, so I don’t foresee them trading for a 30-year-old (who turns 31 in October) that is currently the third-highest-paid corner in the league on a dollar-per-year basis.

I touched on this last week, I think signing someone like Mike Hilton to play nickel is more likely. Hilton is also on the wrong side of 30, but he’d be much cheaper than Ramsey and wouldn’t cost any draft capital.

CanaRaider
Is Jadeveon Clowney worth kicking the tires on?​

A: I’d pass on Jadeveon Clowney if I’m Spytek. He’s 32 and battled injuries throughout his career, including missing three games last year. The Raiders have a lot of young defensive linemen who would benefit more from the extra reps, and it would be more beneficial to give Malcolm Koonce as many snaps as possible to evaluate him this season, in my opinion.

Q: Do you feel 12 personnel with Michael Mayer or ‘11.5’ personnel with Jack Bech will ultimately be more effective this season?

Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images
Michael Mayer, Aidan O’Connell

A: Bech and Mayer can be on the field together in 12 personnel, so I don’t think the coaching staff would necessarily have to choose between the two. In fact, I’d like that personnel grouping a lot on early downs and in the red zone to help run the ball since both guys can block and are good on contested catches.

But, to answer the question, we’ll assume Tre Tucker steps into a bigger role this season and is the second wide receiver next to Jakobi Meyers. Chip Kelly does have a good track record of maximizing two-tight end sets, and I think Mayer’s experience gives him a better chance of being more effective than the rookie. That said, the third-year pro does need to take the next step in his development and, hopefully, he’s in a much better headspace this year.

Q: So is Michael Mayer going to stick around? Same with Aidan O’Connell?

A: I would think if either got traded this offseason, it would have happened no later than during the draft. Kelly likes to use 12 personnel, and even though he was drafted two general managers ago, I get the sense the organization is willing to give Mayer at least one more year before looking to move on from him.

As for O’Connell, Cam Miller and/or Bradley Carter would have to look pretty amazing in practice for the Raiders to trade the backup quarterback. In my opinion, it’s more likely he’d get dealt next offseason if the front office drafts a young signal-caller to develop behind Geno Smith.

Q: Is Christian Wilkins broken?

A: I know it’s not everyone in the fanbase, but I’m struggling to wrap my head around some people’s feelings towards Wilkins this offseason. He was pretty good before getting injured last year. While he suffered a setback in his recovery, multiple beat writers have said the team expects him to be ready for the start of the season still.

It would be nice to have him out there for minicamp and OTAs, but the Raiders don’t need Wilkins to be on the field in the spring; they need him on the field in the fall. If the veteran begins training camp on the PUP list, that’s when I’d begin to get nervous.

Q: More realistic expectations for the defense: 40 sacks or 10 interceptions?

A: This one is an easy answer for me: 40 sacks.

Granted, Las Vegas only had 37 sacks and had exactly 10 interceptions last year. However, that was with Maxx Crosby, Koonce and Wilkins all suffering injuries. Also, nine of the defense’s 10 picks aren’t on the roster anymore, with Jack Jones (three), Tre’von Moehrig (two), Robert Spillane (two), Nate Hobbs (one) and K’Lavon Chassion (one) all being let go or leaving in free agency. The only returner who had an interception last year was Thomas Harper (one), and Jeremy Chinn (one) is the only free-agent signing who had a pick in 2024.

RaiderEddieInDenver
Hey Matt, do you anticipate that Koonce will be healthy and ready to start or will it be Wilson starting at edge game one. Related to that, do you anticipate that Pete and this regime will be smarter about Maxx’s snaps and will maybe use him around 80-90% of snaps? Same question, but for Jeanty. Will Mostert will carry some of the running workload? I’d like to see Jeanty healthy for as long as possible.​

A: Yes, I think Koonce will be healthy and the Week 1 starter opposite Crosby. Koonce will be over a year removed from the torn ACL by then and should be ready to go by training camp.

I have no idea what Carroll’s plan is when it comes to Crosby’s snap count, but I think last year taught Crosby that he needs to “pace himself” moving forward, so to speak. I’d expect Crosby to take some snaps off on early downs during the second and third quarters.

Raheem Mostert or whoever the second running back ends up being will definitely get a good amount of touches, especially early in the season, as Ashton Jeanty gets his feet wet in the NFL. However, I still expect Jeanty to be the lead back and have the most carries on the team.

oaraar
Can Mellot be the Emergency QB?​

A: Cam Miller has better odds of winning that distinction than Tommy Mellott. If you mean that Mellott would informally be the emergency quarterback, that is an option. However, Jakobi Meyers was also a quarterback in college, albeit only for a year and on the scout team, and served as the emergency QB last year.

An argument could be made that with Mellott on the roster, it’d be better to keep Meyers at wide receiver. But if it gets to that situation where two quarterbacks go down on gameday, the Raiders are kind of screwed anyway. So I could see the coaching staff preferring to give the job to the veteran, not wanting to put too much on the rookie’s plate and throw him into the fire.

Q: When the Raiders and the Cowboys play this season, who will win & why would it be the Cowboys?

A: This is from my Cowboys fan wife, and I’m throwing her a bone since it’s her first Mother’s Day weekend.

Probably because Jerry Jones went “all-in” this offseason, trading for a backup quarterback, Joe Milton, so he can have something to talk about during his weekly radio hit, on top of trading another draft pick for a headcase wide receiver that other teams didn’t want to deal with and is on a contract year in George Pickens.

And that’s not to be outdone by signing Javonte Williams, whose production has regressed since his rookie season, and Miles Sanders, who struggled to get playing time in Carolina last year, at running back. Not to be forgotten is Jones’ choice not to bring in a left tackle after Tyler Guyton struggled as a rookie, since he’s undoubtedly going to turn it around in year two.

How ‘bout them Cowboys!

---

That’ll do it for this week’s mailbag. Thank you all for submitting questions and, as your weekly reminder, if you’d like to have your questions answered in a future column, tweet them at me, @MHolder95, email them to [email protected] or look for our weekly call for questions on the site. The latter will continue to publish on Thursdays. Sign up and go to the comments section.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ohn-spytek-pete-carroll-nfl-draft-free-agency

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Can you guess this Raiders lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Raiders player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey Raiders fans! We’re back for another day of the Silver & Black Pride in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in the Google Form.

Today’s Silver & Black Pride in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Saturday, May 10, 2025
Friday, May 9, 2025
Thursday, May 8, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Silver and Black Pride in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Raiders player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/11/24427950/sb-nation-raiders-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Silver Minings: Jeanty, Bech, rookies weigh-in on first practice with Carroll

Ashton Jeanty | fPhoto by Candice Ward/Getty Images

The 2025 draft class spoke to the media after their first NFL practices and practices under Carroll during rookie minicamp

The Las Vegas Raiders' 2025 NFL Draft class got their collective feet wet in the NFL over the weekend, participating in their first practices as professionals during the Raiders’ rookie minicamp.

Las Vegas’ first four selections: running back Ashton Jeanty, wide receiver Jack Bech, cornerback Darien Porter and offensive lineman Caleb Rogers, spoke to the media on Friday and weighed in on their initial impressions of playing for the Raiders’ new head coach Pete Carroll.

Q: What have been your early impressions of being around Pete Carroll in the facility and out here at practice?

Jeanty: “Yeah, he’s dope. He is everything everybody says he is - attention to detail, just a great coach, great energy, great personality, and I’m excited to continue building a relationship with him.”

Q: There’s still a little bit of a debate about how your horse game went against Pete Carroll. Have you guys had a rematch to settle it? Where does that stand now?

Jeanty: “No, we ain’t had a rematch yet, but I’m sure in the near future, he’ll put me back on the hoops.”

Q: What was your first impression of an NFL practice and playing under Pete Carroll?

Bech: “You’ve got to be conditioned. You’ve got to run, especially being a receiver, you have to be able to run all day. And I think obviously, conditioning on your own and football conditioning, it’s a little different. But as you practice more and more, the better you get in football condition. So like I said, I’m just excited to keep coming out here and keep learning under one of the greatest coaches ever, and keep sharpening not only my physical skill set, but my mental skill set too.”

Q: Did you see Pete Carroll practicing his back pedal warmups? What do you think of him bringing that kind of enthusiasm to rookie minicamp?

Porter: “I think it’s awesome to have your head coach out there giving you that one-on-one, or with the other cornerbacks, giving you those kinds of tips with his gloves on. He’s out there working on his press. So, it’s funny, but I really appreciate it. And to see that kind of energy at rookie minicamp early in the process is awesome.”

Q: What can you say about those standards that Pete Carroll has been setting for this group so far out here, and how the group has embraced it?

Rogers: “One, I mean you can tell Pete Carroll has been doing this forever, so it’s amazing to be able to play for him. And so, he’s very backed by his knowledge and where he’s been and what he’s done. And so, when he’s giving his standards, the way he’s telling us how it’s going to be, he’s also backing it with where he’s been and how he’s done it before. And so, it’s really easy for all of us to buy in, and I mean he makes it exciting, so it’s even easier.”

In Other Raiders’ Links:​

• Derek Carr retires: the Raiders’ franchise passing leader and former Saints quarterback is calling it a career after suffering a shoulder injury.
• Mailbag: this week’s column focuses on an offseason review, including what grade Carroll and general manager John Spytek deserve.
• Jeff Foreman waived: the wide receiver was released with a failed physical, the team announced on Friday. He was a 2024 undrafted free agent from Arkansas State who got injured during training camp last year.
• Aidan O’Connell likely safe: “It would be a surprise if the quarterback wasn’t on the roster,” the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore wrote. “...The Raiders also waited until the sixth round of the NFL draft to select a quarterback...which likely means O’Connell will be the club’s No. 2 quarterback behind [Geno] Smith,”

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...minicamp-ashton-jeanty-jack-bech-pete-carroll

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Reshaped Raiders front office is a good thing

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek has surrounded himself with well-respected personnel post draft. Anthony Patch, who was on the Philadelphia Eagles’ scout crew, joins Spytek in Las Vegas as a senior personnel executive. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Adding Anthony Patch means a positive shift in player evaluation for general manager John Spytek

Just as the Las Vegas Raiders made a flurry of moves during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Silver & Black also moved pieces around in the front office.

With general manager John Spytek’s initial draft class in the books as he adds ingredients to a roster that head coach Pete Carroll will cook with, the Raiders chief personnel man swiftly made moves to spice up the player personnel department in Las Vegas.

First came the arrival of new assistant general manager Brian Stark and assistant director of college scouting Johnathon Stigall. Then the big catch, Anthony Patch as senior personnel executive. The new trio join forces with Spytek to add more sound football minds to a Raiders team that can always use more of that.

The reshaping of the front office shouldn’t surprise. This commonly occurs post-draft when a new regime takes hold. And this remodeling is a good thing for the Raiders. The new additions — particularly Patch — should portend a positive shift in player evaluations.

New @Raiders exec Anthony Patch and GM John Spytek spent five years together as young scouts in Philadelphia (2005-09). Patch has led the @Eagles' well-regarded college scouting department for nearly a decade. https://t.co/1uUwmuHjBz

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 5, 2025​

Patch It Up​

The news of Patch heading West to join Spytek in Las Vegas was met with equal parts excitement and shock. Anytime a team can scoop up one of Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman’s top lieutenants, it’s generally viewed as positive.

While Roseman was the final say and ultimate arbiter for the Eagles — a team that is adept at finding and adding talent — Patch was one of a number of staff that ensured the GM had the data, profiles, and reports to make truly informed decisions. As the longest-tenured scouting staff member (23 years), Patch goes from Eagles senior director of college scouting (a role he’s held since 2016) to senior personnel executive with the Raiders.

According to the Philly Voice’s Geoff Mosher, by joining the Silver & Black, Patch moves closer to his West Coast home of Washington State — he had to travel across country to be in Philadelphia.

Patch’s addition to the Raiders player personnel room is a reunion with Spytek. Both came up the Eagles’ scouting ranks under former head coach Andy Reid and general manager Tom Hecker from 2005-09.

Now the duo are back together and are set to build the roster in Las Vegas.

Raiders now have named Brian Stark their Assistant General Manager and Johnathon Stigall as their Assistant Director of College Scouting.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2025​

Common Ground​

Like their new boss, Stark and Stigall came up the NFL ranks as scouts.

Stark, who most recently served as the Denver Broncos’ director of college scouting (since 2016), was a national scout promoting up from the Western region and West Coast area scout.

As assistant general manager in Las Vegas, Stark replaces Champ Kelly (now with the Miami Dolphins), and he rejoins Spytek. In fact, the Raiders GM isn’t the only familiar face for Stark in the desert. Mark Thewes, who Spytek brought board as senior vice president of football operations and strategy, was also in Denver. Now the trio of former Broncos personnel men are in Las Vegas.

Similar to Stark, Stigall arrives to the Raiders with familiar faces, too.

He was a scout for the Eagles (2006-10) where he cut his teeth in the NFL alongside both Spytek and Patch. So the familiarity is there as will the comfort level between the trio of former Eagles scouts.

Having most recently served as the national scout for the New York Jets, Stigall spent 11 seasons with Gang Green and now will work alongside Brandon Yeargan, the Raiders director of college scouting.

Proving Grounds​

While their respective resumes are tantalizing, past performance means little as the trio of Patch, Stark, and Stigall begin their Raiders journey with Spytek.

For as quickly and hefty the reputation they’ve built over the course of the years before heading to the desert, that can all erode without continued success in Silver & Black. The Raiders are not a paragon of quality roster building. Regime’s have come through in the post-Al Davis era and success has been fleeting at best.

The newest members of the Silver & Black ‍

https://t.co/PI3JMnPPeR pic.twitter.com/xY4mEQIhPB

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 27, 2025​

Sustained accomplishment isn’t in the Raiders vocabulary. And it’s up to Spytek and his crew alongside Carroll and his staff to change the course.

Spytek did well to surround himself with solid football minds to help him make informed decisions — like Roseman had with Patch — but the players and prospects he adds to the roster is part of a the big equation. Spytek and his player personnel department will do their best to add talented players in the draft and free agency while the equally heavy lift is on Carroll and his coaches to develop the talent added.

Patch, Stark, and Stigall did well in their prior roles to build up the football teams they each worked for. And yes, Patch had a major hand in helping Roseman and the Eagles become one of the best football teams at acquiring talent to build a championship program.

Now we’ll see if Patch and Co. can do the same alongside Spytek with the Raiders.

If even one part of that machinery isn’t firing on all cylinders, there’s going to be a hiccup in the process.

And Raider Nation is all too familiar with that kind of misstep.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...iders-2025-front-office-additions-john-spytek

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Tuesday Community Question: Favorite Raiders’ team?

Raiders | Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Some great choices

Head to the comments section to share your thoughts and join the conversation. You can sign up for a commenting account below and we have full-time moderators to enforce the Community Guidelines.

Sign up and go to the comments section.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...sday-community-question-favorite-raiders-team

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Film room: How Mellott can be dynamic weapon

Tommy Mellott | Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Diving into sixth-round pick’s game

The Las Vegas Raiders made an interesting selection in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, taking Montana State’s Tommy Mellott with the 215th overall pick.

While Mellott played quarterback for the Bobcats, he was announced as a wide receiver when drafted and is expected to switch positions in the NFL. On top of that, Raiders’ director of college scouting Brandon Yeargan suggested Mellott will be used more as an offensive weapon than at one specific position.

“I wouldn’t pigeonhole him right now,” Yeargan said after the draft. “...We’re looking really as an athlete/receiver, but he’s a unique guy. I mean, his testing numbers were through the roof: 4.41-second 40, really high vertical jump (41 inches)...We think he could do a variety of things.”

Not having a defined role in the offense makes breaking the FCS product’s tape down more difficult. However, Mellott was a dynamic weapon in college who rushed for over 3,600 yards and 43 touchdowns during his career, per Pro Football Focus, including 1,086 yards and 15 touchdowns this past season.

So, let’s see what he can do with the ball in his hands.

Impressive improv from Tommy Mellott, bad snap ruins the mesh point but he adjusts on the fly and tight ropes the side line for a TD #Raiders pic.twitter.com/LthV4BtIib

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 12, 2025​

Someone doesn’t get the nickname “Touchdown Tommy” without being a playmaker, and the clip above is a great example of how Mellott lived up to the moniker and just made plays at Montana State.

It looks like the Bobcats are trying to set up a read option RPO where he can hand the ball to the running back for an outside run to the left, keep it for the zone run call to the right, or throw the out route to the receiver at the bottom of the screen. However, a bad snap ruins the timing of the play, especially the action in the backfield.

The good news is that Mellott handles the errant snap and decides to improvise, turning the running back into a lead blocker and executing the outside run himself. From there, he shows off some burst to break the pursuing defender’s angle and impressive body control to tight rope the sideline on the way to the end zone.

So, a play that could have been disastrous turns into six points on the board.

Never thought I'd hype up a sack but Tommy Mellott making 3 guys miss will do that lol #Raiders pic.twitter.com/32ikxfCC9n

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 12, 2025​

I never thought I’d be using a quarterback getting sacked as an example of what he can bring to the table, but Mellott making three defenders miss before going down is impressive. A rep like this is one where the process of the play is more important than the result, as it highlights nice dead leg and spin moves to break tackles.

To add more context, Mellott forced 145 missed tackles on 487 rushing attempts during his career, per PFF. He had 33 MTF on 122 carries last season and recorded 53 on 167 in 2022. So, the former Bobcat is a tough guy to bring down in the open field.

Tommy Mellott with a nice job pressing downhill to set up the defender before bouncing outside and showing off some burst in the open field #Raiders pic.twitter.com/saHd5tetQn

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 12, 2025​

We’ll finally get a look at a designed play this time, as Montana State runs a read option where the two tight ends (one being a wide receiver who motions inside pre-snap) work across the formation to lead block for the quarterback.

With the defensive end or read man stepping inside, Mellott keeps the ball for the outside run. Then, he does a good job of setting up the tight ends’ blocks by pressing downhill before bouncing outside. Watch what that does to the pursuing defender (No. 1).

Instead of taking on No. 88’s block on the outside or toward the sideline, the defender slows down and buzzes his feet because he’s worried about the ball carrier continuing to work up the field or cutting back. That opens up the outside rushing lane, and Mellott shows off the burst or acceleration to make the defense pay by creating about a 25-yard gain on the ground.

Nice move by Tommy Mellott to get the safety to hesitate and create a lane to pick up the 1st down #Raiders pic.twitter.com/YOaHxwE5LD

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 12, 2025​

This next rep is similar to the last one, where Mellott uses a nice move to set up a defender and create an outside rushing lane. The biggest difference is that he doesn’t have a lead blocker this time, making it more important that he gets the defender to hesitate.

Again, the former Bobcat presses downhill to force the safety to honor the cutback, which gives him just enough room to bounce outside and split the defensive backs to pick up the first down, or at least set up third and short.

Good example of Tommy Mellott's breakaway speed #Raiders pic.twitter.com/rDRTwsuJXt

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 12, 2025​

We’ll wrap up here with a great example of the speed Yeargan was talking about. For clarity, NFL Media noted that the FCS product clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, a couple of hundredths of a second faster than the time mentioned above.

Montana State runs another read option where Mellott keeps the ball, and once he gets to the outside lane, that’s where his angle-breaking speed comes into play. Three defenders had a chance to bring him down, but only one could even get a hand on him as the sixth-round pick turns on the burners to record a 75-yard touchdown run.

Overall, Mellott is the toughest player to project in the Raiders’ draft class since he’s going to be playing a new position as a pro and doesn’t have a defined role yet, on top of making a big jump in competition. But it’s impossible to deny that he was a dynamic weapon in college. Now, it’s just a matter of whether that will translate to the NFL.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...25-tommy-mellott-montana-state-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2025 NFL schedule release: Las Vegas rumor thread

Ashton Jeanty | Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Check back often for all the Raiders’ schedule leaks and rumors

The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 schedule leaks are starting. Remember, these are unconfirmed so be careful with your travel plans. The official release is at Wednesday 5 p.m. PT.

Here is the Raiders’ 2025 list of opponents:

HOME

Denver Broncos

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers

Cleveland Browns

Jacksonville Jaguars,

Tennessee Titans,

Dallas Cowboys

New York Giants

Chicago Bears

AWAY

Denver Broncos

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

New England Patriots

Philadelphia Eagles

Washington Commanders

Check back with our friends at FanDuel Sportsbook to check out odds for the Raiders’ 2025 season. The Raiders are priced at +125 to win more than 7.5 games this season.

Please check back often leading up to the schedule release for the latest news and leaks:

The first schedule leak for the Raiders is saying the Raiders will be hosting the New York Giants in Week 17 in a Pete Carroll-Russell Wilson reunion.

Giants will not be opening in Las Vegas, as some rumors suggested yesterday. They will be in Sin City to play the Raiders the week between Christmas and New Year's, as @LicensePlateGuy suggested late last night.

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) May 14, 2025​

Now, there is a report saying the game will be played Saturday, December 27 in Week 17.

Here is the full Giants schedule! You heard it here first!@jokershawn37 @NYGiantsRush @GiantsCarbCrush pic.twitter.com/WYokP4pv9l

— Spartan Mike (NYG) (@SpartanMike96) May 14, 2025​

The Raiders will reportedly open the season at the New England Patriots in an early-window game against former head coach Josh McDaniels and the new-look Patriots.

The Official Week 1 NFL Schedule

TNF: Cowboys at Eagles
FNF: Chiefs at Chargers

Early Window
Giants at Commanders
Buccaneers at Falcons
Panthers at Jaguars
Dolphins at Colts
Raiders at Patriots
Steelers at Jets
Bengals at Browns
Cardinals at Saints

Late Window:
Niners at…

— Ozzy (@OzzyNFL) May 14, 2025​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/13/24422474/raiders-2025-nfl-schedule-release-rumors

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Week 1 opening odds: Raiders begin 2025 season as underdogs

Jakobi Meyers, Josh McDaniels | Photo by Sam Morris/Getty Images

Las Vegas heads to New England and faces former head coach Josh McDaniels

The 2025 NFL Schedule was released on Wednesday night, and the Las Vegas Raiders will hit the road to begin the 2025 season for a Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. According to our friends at FanDuel Sportsbook, the Raiders will open the season as 1.5-point underdogs.

Both teams struggled during the 2024 campaign, both finishing with a 4-13 record. As a result, New England and Las Vegas have new head coaches, meaning Mike Vrabel and Pete Carroll will be looking for their first win at their respective jobs. Also, revenge will be a big theme of the game.

The infamous ‘Tuck Rule’ always gets brought up when the Raiders and Patriots square off against each other. Additionally, Carroll was the Pats’ head coach for three seasons (1997-1999) and posted a 27-21 record during his tenure with the club.

On a similar note, Vrabel hired former Raiders’ head coach Josh McDaniels as his offensive coordinator. McDaniels was fired after one and a half seasons in Las Vegas, logging a 9-16 record. Also, current Raiders’ wide receiver Jakobi Meyers began his career in New England, and racked up 235 catches, 2,758 yards and eight touchdowns over four years with the Patriots.

For the Patriots, wide receiver Mack Hollins and edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson each spent a year with the Raiders. Hollins was in Las Vegas for the 2022 campaign and had a career season with 57 catches, 690 yards and four touchdowns. Chaisson also had a career year with the Silver and Black, posting five sacks a year ago.

If you’re feeling confident that the Raiders can cover the 1.5-point spread and/or win outright as a +116 underdog against Drake Maye and the Patriots, head on over to FanDuel Sportbook and lock in your bet now. FanDuel already has odds for every Week 1 contest, in addition to future bets for the 2025 NFL season.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...rs-2025-schedule-patriots-week-1-odds-fanduel

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Longshot look: Chris Smith II needs to establish himself in crowded safety group

Chris Smith II enters his third year with the Las Vegas Raiders and may be a 53-man roster longshot if he doesn’t establish himself more than a special teams mainstay. | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

3rd-year pro is special teams mainstay but veteran Lonnie Johnson Sr. can take that role

Finding a niche as a special teams mainstay isn’t necessarily the sexiest way to go about an NFL career.

But for a late-round draft pick, that career path can lead to a long career as special teams is the easiest and most prolonged way in ensuring you’ve got a 53-man roster spot year in, year out.

This is where Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II finds himself. Entering his third year in the league after being taken in the fifth round (170th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, the 25-year-old hasn’t been able to break into the defensive rotation but is an active participant in Tom McMahon’s special teams group. Earning 191 special teams snaps as a rookie, Smith garnered 276 in 2024 as his participation rates were 61 and 66 percent in his first two season in Las Vegas.

Headed into 2025 under new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, Smith appears set to at least be a special teamer again. The 5-foot-11 and 195-pound Georgia product has good size for the unit. However, the Raiders new head honcho is all about competition across the board to earn snaps and Smith is in a spot where he must establish himself in a suddenly crowded safety room in Las Vegas.

#RAIDERS ROSTER NEWS:

- Announced the following transactions: pic.twitter.com/4cacI6SeUq

— Raiders PR (@RAIDERS_PR) May 12, 2025​

Two new faces have joined the Raiders in Hudson Clark (undrafted free agent from Arkansas) and Jonathan Sutherland (second-year pro undrafted free agent out of Penn State). Sutherland — who spent time with Carroll in 2023 with the Seattle Seahawks — was one of several players added as the Raiders made a roster moves on Monday.

Clark and Sutherland make it a safety group of eight.

Veterans Jeremy Chinn and Lonnie Johnson Jr. were added during free agency back in March and the newcomers join incumbents: Isaiah Pola-Mao, Smith, Trey Taylor, and Thomas Harper.

The likely starting safeties in that group of eight are Chinn and Pola-Mao, two bigger defenders at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds and 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, respectively. Competition will sort out the starters and rotational players, along with the special teamers in the safety group.

While Smith has familiarity with McMahon’s special teams unit the past two seasons, he’ll face a strong challenge from Johnson.

Lonnie Johnson Jr. takes a ride with me as we talk about Pete Carroll, his first impression of #RaiderNation and his desire to compete with the best in the league.

Raiders Morning Commute out now https://t.co/sqkRKygtLV pic.twitter.com/FU1g8kS6pY

— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) May 2, 2025​

At 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds, the 29-year-old veteran has the size and experience advantage over Smith. Johnson, a second round pick (54th overall) by the Houston Texans in the 2019 draft, had the opposite career path in a sense as he went from defensive starter to special teamer from the first three years of his career to the las trio of seasons.

Johnson spent the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers where he played 339 snaps on special teams (81 percent of the units total) while seeing just 13 on defense. The Kentucky product finished with seven total tackles last season.

Considering his light participation rate the last three seasons on defense, expect Johnson to vie for special teams snaps in Las Vegas. HIs most productive season as a safety on defense was in 2021 with the Texans (55 total tackles, three interceptions, and six pass deflections).

But it won’t only be Johnson and Smith trying to earn a role on special teams and defense. Second-year safeties Thomas Harper and Trey Taylor are going to be equally as hungry to make the team.

1. Thomas Harper - 78.3

The highest-graded UDFA rookies in 2024:https://t.co/CScqeHfs4m

— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) January 17, 2025​

Harper, an undrafted free agent from Notre Dame, was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers at cutdown day and earned his way to 191 defensive snaps and 265 on special teams. The 5-foot-10 and 195-pounder is only 24 years old and can play safety or work in as a nickel/slot defender.

Taylor, on the other hand, was the Raiders’ seventh round pick (223rd overall) in last year’s draft. He’s got good size at 6-feet, 213 pounds and he earned 155 special teams snaps this past season.

If Smith hasn’t shown progression as a tackler and cover man in his third season, he’s going to be in a cluster of younger players looking for a roster spot, too. It’s highly likely defensive coordinator Patrick Graham uses three safeties over the course of the season on defense. Especially considering Chinn and Pola-Mao are of the taller/bigger variety.

But let’s assume the volume of snap counts go to those two as the starting safeties. That means less snaps on defense for the other six safeties looking to make the team.

Unless Smith, Harper, et. al show out and prove they belong, someone is going to get lost in the shuffle and find themselves released or on the practice squad.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/15/24425560/raiders-roster-2025-chris-smith-safety

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Community pulse: Remembering the great teams

Jim Plunkett in Super Bowl XV

Fans offer their favorite squads in team history

I love all of our weekly Tuesday Community Question topics.

They allow our community members to get to now each other and dig into many topics of their beloved Las Vegas Raiders. However, my favorite topics (as I have mentioned often) revolve around the great and rich history of the franchise.

I think the old-time Raiders are the most fascinating teams in all of sports history. So, this week allowed us to dig into the history of the Silver and Black as we asked which team is our favorite in team history.

We had many answers and there are no wrong answers here. For me it’s the 1976 team that won the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. That was coming for a long time and that group got it done.

But again, no wrong answers here.

Here are some of your responses:

RaiderG
The Cinderella Wild Card team 1980. 75 to 1 underdogs to start the season. Nose tackle Reggie Kinlaw and LB Rod Martin dominating.
Pre-Marcus. Post-Madden. Post-Stabler. No one saw that coming.
Raidwin
So Glad I was able to witness all 3 of our SB teams. The '76 team finally got over the afc championship curse(Steelers). But The '80 team was also memorable for me. Jim Plunkett lead us back from the ashes and we were the first wild card team to win the SB. Also the famous red right 88 Mike Davis int to seal the playoff win in Cleveland that season.
Raidwin
A special love for the '83 Team. Marveled watching a 35 year old Cliff Branch smoke the then Redskins on 99 TD reception from Jim Plunkett. I believe we lost that game at RFK in a shootout. The Skins were an offensive juggernaut that season; , but we avenged the loss by destroying the Skins in the SB.
Nunchucks
1983 Raiders all the way baby!...One of the best teams in NFL history!!!!
SBPB4theCrash
I consider the team from late 60s to the third Super Bowl to be one team with an interchangeable roster. I have never been able to narrow it down. That's my favorite team.
AlzadoXXXXXXX
1976 Raiders who won our first superbowl in January 1977 after we fans felt like we'd waited "forever" for the superbowl win (I had to wait until age 16). Shell & Upshaw, Stabler, Biletnikoff & Branch, Casper on offense are Hall of Famers and the Soul Patrol, Jack Tatum deserves to be hall of famer, Old Man Willie is one,, Ted Hendricks, Phil Villapiano, Otis Sistrunk, etc. The 1983 Raiders defense was stronger and offense was clutch when Plunkett was starting at QB over Wilson (only part of the year)
Recoil
Too early in the morning to narrow down the year, but early 2000s. Gannon, Brown, Wheatley, Rickey Dudley, james Jett, Biekert, Darrell Russell, Wisnewksi, Lincoln Kennedy, Charles Woodson, Eric Allen, Grady Jackson, Charlie Garner, Lechler, Seabass, Jerry Porter, Jerry Rice. SMH.
DutchBlackwell
Hard to choose between the '76 team and the '80 team. The '76 team got over the hump for the 1st title and was stacked with Hall of Famer's. The '80 team was more like a construction crew. A whole bunch of hard workers, who in some ways overachieved.​

Head to the comments section to share your thoughts and join the conversation. You can sign up for a commenting account below and we have full-time moderators to enforce the Community Guidelines.

Sign up and go to the comments section and continue the conversation about the Las Vegas draft class there.

Cheers and have a great weekend.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/16/24429445/raiders-history-great-teams-fans

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Way-too-early record prediction

Pete Carroll | Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Going game-by-game through the 2025 schedule

With a new regime led by head coach Pete Carroll and a new quarterback in Geno Smith, there’s plenty of optimism heading into the 2025 NFL season for the Las Vegas Raiders. Now that we know the Raiders’ 2025 schedule, let’s go game-by-game and make a way-too-early record prediction.

Week 1 @ Patriots​

Las Vegas kicks off the campaign with a battle between two teams coming off 4-13 performances and who have new head coaches. Mike Vrabel and New England are currently favored to win by 1.5 points, but Carroll and the Raiders should be able to pull off the road upset against a young team at the beginning of the season.

Prediction: Raiders win (1-0)

Week 2 vs. Chargers (MNF)​

The Silver and Black should have plenty of momentum heading into this one since it’s the home opener and on primetime. However, Los Angeles has an impressive roster and is expected to be a contender in the AFC this year, while the Raiders have a lot of new pieces that will take some time to gel together. So, Jim Harbaugh gets a win against his long-time rival, Carroll.

Prediction: Raiders lose (1-1)

Week 3 @ Commanders​

Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are coming off an impressive season where they made the NFC Championship game. The front office was also aggressive this offseason to build around Daniels, trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. That makes this another tough one for the Raiders, especially since it’s a road contest.

Prediction: Raiders lose (1-2)

Week 4 vs. Chicago Bears​

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Ben Johnson

Call this one the ‘Ben Johnson Bowl’! The Raiders were rumored to be in the mix to hire Johnson as head coach, but lost the sweepstakes to the Bears. Chicago should be much better this year as Caleb Williams enters his second year, but that might take a while, and Las Vegas should be able to take advantage of the early-season matchup.

Prediction: Raiders win (2-2)

Week 5 @ Colts​

It will be interesting to see who's starting at quarterback in Indianapolis: Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones. But neither is a good option, and it feels like this is the year where things start to fall apart for the Colts and head coach Shane Steichen, giving the Raiders a chance to win back-to-back games.

Prediction: Raiders win (3-2)

Week 6 vs. Titans​

Could the Silver and Black get hot and go on a run heading into a matchup with their biggest rivals and the bye week? Facing off against the rebuilding Titans certainly helps. I’m high on Cam Ward’s potential, but it will likely take him a bit to adjust to the NFL, especially with the supporting cast in Tennessee.

Prediction: Raiders win (4-2)

Week 7 @ Chiefs​

I do think the Chiefs are starting to come back down to earth and are in for a down season in 2025, in comparison to the high standards they’ve set over the last decade. However, the nine-time defending AFC West Champs are still the nine-time defending AFC West Champs until someone knocks them off. At this stage, it’s tough to see the Raiders stealing one on the road in Kansas City.

Prediction: Raiders lose (4-3)

Week 9 vs. Jaguars​

Similar to Week 1, this is an interesting matchup where both teams will be ushering in new head coaches, Liam Coen for the Jags, in addition to bouncing back from 4-13 campaigns a year ago. Also, each club will have an extra week to prepare since both will be coming off a bye. This could be a tight one, but the nod goes to the home team.

Prediction: Raiders win (5-3)

Week 10 @ Broncos (TNF)​

Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images
Bo Nix vs. Raiders 2024

Divisional matchups on a short week are always tough and typically favor the club that doesn’t have to travel. Plus, Denver is coming off an impressive campaign, led by quarterback Bo Nix and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II. That makes it hard to see Las Vegas pulling this one out on the road.

Prediction: Raiders lose (5-4)

Week 11 vs. Cowboys (MNF)​

It’s hard to know what to expect from the Cowboys this season. They finished last year 7-10, but that was largely due to injuries, suggesting Dallas should be better with a healthy Dak Prescott and Co. However, Jerry Jones didn’t do much to improve the rest of the roster this offseason. So, I’ll give the Raiders the benefit of the doubt here with a primetime home win.

Prediction: Raiders win (6-4)

Week 12 vs. Browns​

There’s no other way to put it, the Browns are a dysfunctional mess. They currently have a five-man competition to be the starting quarterback, and the rest of the offense doesn’t inspire much hope. I’m expecting Cleveland to be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick this season.

Prediction: Raiders win (7-4)

Week 13 @ Chargers​

Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images
Justin Herbert

It pains me to say this, but I think the Chargers will be pretty good this year. The Raiders should at least give them a game, but it’s hard for me to see them splitting this series. I hope I’m wrong, though.

Prediction: Raiders lose (7-5)

Week 14 vs. Broncos​

Denver is another AFC West team that’s on the rise, but I don’t think its roster is that much better than Las Vegas’ for the Broncos to sweep the series in back-to-back seasons. I’ll take the home teams in both 2025 contests.

Prediction: Raiders win (8-5)

Week 15 @ Eagles​

The second half of the season will be a gauntlet for the Silver and Black with six games against reigning playoff teams, including the defending Super Bowl Champs. The Eagles’ defense might regress this season as it lost several key players from last year, but Philly’s offense should have more than enough firepower. This is a tough road draw for the Raiders.

Prediction: Raiders lose (8-6)

Week 16 @ Texans​

The schedule makers didn’t do Las Vegas any favors with back-to-back away matchups against reigning playoff teams in December. The Raiders’ pass-rush against the Texans’ weak offensive line could lead to a potential upset, but Houston has a strong defense to be a contender again this season and pull this one out at home.

Prediction: Raiders lose (8-7)

Week 17 vs. Giants​

This will likely be a “must-win” for Las Vegas to keep its playoff hopes alive. I think New York has a decent roster overall, but the team has a big question mark at the most important position on the field, keeping them from being considered a contender at this stage. First-round pick Jaxson Dart could be under center at this point in the season, but the Silver and Black should be able to win this one at home.

Prediction: Raiders win (9-7)

Week 18 vs. Chiefs​

It will be interesting to see what’s on the line for each club in this matchup. As mentioned above, the Chiefs are in for some regression this season and likely will have something to play for during the final week of the regular season. With that, I have a tough time giving the Raiders the nod over a team that has gone to the Super Bowl three times in a row.

Prediction: Raiders lose (9-8)

Final Record: 9-8​

This would likely mean the Raiders are playoff contenders throughout the 2025 season, and doubling (plus one) their win total from a year ago would be nothing to scoff at, especially during Carroll’s first season.

However, heading into the final four weeks three games above .500 but finishing with just one more win than loss, and missing the tournament again, would certainly be disappointing. Not to mention going 1-5 in the division. Unfortunately, the AFC West projects to be one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, again, and the final stretch of Las Vegas’ schedule is brutal.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/5/16/24430959/raiders-2025-schedule-record-prediction

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Mailbag: Does defense have personnel to improve from last season?

Patrick Graham | Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images

Returning Raider Nation’s questions for the week

The offseason is winding down with free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror as the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for OTAs next week. So, like last week, our mailbag column will focus on an offseason review of the Raiders’ moves this spring.

Q: Do you think the defense has enough horses to improve from last year? Feels like the Raiders lost more on that side of the ball than they gained.

A: This is one of my concerns about the roster heading into the season. As I’ve mentioned in the past, I understand being economical with personnel decisions and keeping the bigger/long-term vision in mind by not wanting to overpay players. But the other end of that decision-making is that there’s a drop-off in talent from last year’s team.

Especially with the losses in the secondary and at linebacker, I am worried that the defense will regress or at least won’t improve from last season. It’s going to take great coaching jobs from Patrick Graham and Pete Carroll for the unit to get better. The good news is that both coaches have a history of getting the most out of their players.

Q: Are you confident in the Raiders’ linebackers at this point?

A: Building on the question and answer above, I don’t have much confidence in the linebackers since it’s a combination of role-playing veterans and unproven young players.

I like Elandon Roberts as a two-down defender, but he’s currently the best linebacker on the roster, and that’s worrisome. In my opinion, Devin White isn’t a starter in the NFL and is best as an off-ball blitzer on passing downs. The problem is that those two will likely be at the top of the depth chart heading into training camp.

Then there’s Tommy Eichenberg, Amari Gainer and Cody Lindenberg, all of whom have potential. But, at this point, they don’t have the track record to be confident in them. Hopefully, one or two of those three step up and surprise us this year.

And, for good measure, the addition of Jaylon Smith doesn’t even budge the needle for me.

Q: What is a position group that the Raiders must address before training camp? Who are 3 or 4 realistic players that would have the largest impact if added?

Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Mike Hilton vs. Raiders 2022

A: This has been a popular question lately, as I believe it’s the third week in a row that it’s been asked, lol! So, I’ll use this as another opportunity to pound the table for Mike Hilton at nickel. Kendall Fuller is another interesting corner who has experience covering the slot and might be worth taking a look at, same with Arthur Maulet.

At linebacker, if Shaq Thompson is healthy, he’d be a good pickup. But Thompson has suffered significant leg injuries over the last two seasons: a broken fibula in 2023 and a torn Achilles last year. Eric Kendricks and Kyzir White are a couple of other names to throw out there, but I get the feeling the Raiders are going to roll with the backers they have.

Q: I feel that there is depth/competition at the interior o-line spots. Do you see a Kolton Miller extension on the cards? If not, do you think left tackle becomes a rental/free agent option, or do the Raiders invest serious draft capital on the position next year?

A: There hasn’t been any news about an extension from Miller, aside from the pre-draft report that he was sitting out of the voluntary workouts while looking for a new deal. However, Miller has been seen at the facilities and participating in the Raiders’ workouts after the draft, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the contract extension gets signed over the next few months.

If, for some reason, the veteran tackle and the organization can’t agree to terms, rookie Charles Grant would likely be the long-term solution. The third-round pick is a project that needs a year or two to refine his technique, but he has impressive traits to work with. That said, the front office could bring in a veteran on a short-term deal during free agency as an insurance plan, too, but the ideal situation would be for Grant to take over the blindside.

All that being said, Las Vegas taking Ashton Jeanty over Armand Membou this year tells me the front office would like to get a deal done with Miller. I think next year’s draft will be focused on getting a franchise quarterback.

asa1658
Given the number of youngsters on the roster, Matt, whom of the coaching staff whose job it is to develop them do you least have confidence in?​

A: At this stage, my confidence is based on each coach’s track record, so the ones I’m the least confident in are the coaches with less NFL experience. Offensive line coach Brennan Carroll comes to mind, since this is his first time being the primary offensive line coach in the league.

Carroll was the assistant OL coach to Tom Cable and Mike Solari with the Seahawks, but never took over the reins in Seattle. He does have experience as an offensive line coach at the college level, though. Also, Joe Philbin is still on the staff to help Carroll out.

On the other end of the spectrum, I like that defensive backs coach Marcus Robinson has 10 years of experience in his role to help develop young players like Darien Porter, Jakorian Bennett, Thomas Harper, Isaiah Pola-Mao, Trey Taylor, etc.

Also, Rob Leonard has proven himself over the years, getting the most out of several Raiders defensive linemen recently, which should benefit Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues.

Paulraider28
Matt do you think the Raiders will activate Laki Tasi to the 53 roster at some point, I understand he is new but as DT he has the strength to push and collapse the pocket. He is not your typical 347?this man can move and he has stamina playing Rugby​

A: I wouldn’t expect Laki Tasi to be activated this year. I don’t doubt that he has plenty of traits to work with and the background in rugby can translate to football. But expecting someone who picked up the game just a year ago to be ready to play at the professional level is unrealistic.

If Tasi is ahead of schedule and ready for action at any point this season, awesome. However, I’m not holding my breath that it will happen.

AAAA54
Questions about rookies:

• Who will have the biggest impact?
  Who will surprise by overachieving?
  Who will surprise by underachieving?

A: Biggest impact: easy, Ashton Jeanty. He’s the first-round pick, and top 10 pick at that, and has the clearest path to start given how thin the Raiders are at running back. I think Jeanty will get a lot of touches in year one.

Overachiever: I’ll go with Porter and Lindenberg as a close second. Both positions, cornerback and linebacker, are big-time needs and I like what both youngins bring to the table. I think Porter has CB1 potential and could have a rookie season similar to Riq Woolen’s under Carroll. Lindenberg adds a quality run defender to a position group that’s very much up in the air.

Underachiever: Caleb Rogers. That is the only pick from this year’s draft class where I just don’t see the vision. I’m not a huge fan of his game, partially because I don’t know what his best position will be, guard or tackle. He strikes me as more of a versatile backup than a starter, which isn’t ideal for a Top 100 selection.

---

That’ll do it for this week’s mailbag. Thank you all for submitting questions and, as your weekly reminder, if you’d like to have your questions answered in a future column, tweet them at me, @MHolder95, email them to [email protected] or look for our weekly call for questions on the site. The latter will continue to publish on Thursdays. Sign up and go to the comments section.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...on-mailbag-defense-free-agency-nfl-draft-2025