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