You might wonder if the Raiders’ quarterback situation could finally be resolved through the 2025 draft – and you wouldn’t be alone. With Cam Ward’s name circulating as a potential selection at No. 6 overall, the front office faces critical decisions about their offensive future.
Beyond quarterback, Ashton Jeanty offers game-changing potential at running back, while defensive prospects like Will Johnson could transform a vulnerable secondary. The Las Vegas outfit’s choices in April will shape their competitive trajectory for years to come.
Will the Raiders Draft Their Future Signal-Caller?
When will the Las Vegas Raiders finally find their franchise quarterback? With the #6 pick, they’re positioned to target Cam Ward, though he lacks “cannot-miss” status. Judging by the latest Raiders news and odds, there’s significant buzz around this player’s potential, even if he isn’t yet viewed as a guaranteed star.
Will Howard tops Chip Kelly’s board, while Jaxson Dart offers elite athleticism. The Raiders leadership, including Tom Brady as a minority owner, will need to evaluate each prospect rather than making a faith-based selection carefully. If they’re patient, Kyle McCord presents intriguing day-three value—potentially outperforming Howard long-term.
Addressing the Running Back Position: Is Jeanty Worth the No. 6 Pick?
Ashton Jeanty’s historic 2,601-yard, 29-touchdown campaign at Boise State has thrust him into the Raiders’ first-round conversation. His elite contact balance and versatility would perfectly fill Josh Jacobs’ void in Carroll’s run-heavy system.
The Raiders’ new ownership and leadership could view Jeanty as the missing offensive piece alongside Geno Smith to establish their competitive identity. However, using the sixth pick on a Mountain West running back remains questionable despite his talents. A trade-down scenario could provide better value while still securing his game-changing abilities.
Defensive Secondary Needs: Targeting Will Johnson
The Raiders’ secondary remains their most glaring defensive weakness heading into the 2025 draft, despite several offseason additions attempting to patch these vulnerabilities.
Will Johnson presents a transformative option at CB with his Surtain-like physicality and elite coverage skills. He possesses excellent ball production and instinctive play-making ability, which the Raiders desperately need.
- 6’2″, 202-pound frame offers an ideal match for Carroll’s defensive scheme
- He fully recovered from a turf toe injury that limited his 2024 production
- It would create immediate pass-rush synergy by allowing Crosby more sack opportunities
Building in the Trenches: Interior Defensive Line Prospects
Despite investing heavily in edge rushers led by Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ interior defensive line lacks the disruptive force needed to prevent offenses from double-teaming their star pass rusher.
Mason is emerging as a premier interior defensive line prospect who could immediately upgrade the firepower from the Raiders’ trenches.
His ability to collapse pockets from the interior would complement Crosby’s edge presence, creating the disruptive tandem missing from Las Vegas’ defensive front. While Graham’s shorter-than-ideal arm length presents a potential challenge, his relentless play style and strength against the run make him an ideal fit for the Raiders’ defensive scheme.
Mid-Round Gems: Key Targets to Watch Beyond Day One
While first-round selections often dominate draft discussions, championship rosters are frequently built through savvy mid-round acquisitions who outperform their draft position.
The Raiders should target these Day 2-3 prospects in 2025:
- Barrett Carter (OG, R3) – Athletic interior lineman with a powerful base
- Cobee Bryant (CB, R4) – Ball-hawking corner with fluid hips
- Dylan Sampson (RB, R3) – Explosive runner with three-down potential
Reach/value measurements help identify players like Hampton who represent potentially significant draft discrepancies against Big Board rankings.
Opening Moves
As you stand at the crossroads of your franchise’s future, you’re not just selecting players—you’re gathering chess pieces for a strategic battle.
Ward represents your potential king, while Jeanty could be the knight who charges through defenses. Johnson offers coverage as your protective bishop. The trenches need towers of strength like Mason. Don’t overlook your pawns—those mid-round gems often advance to become your most valuable pieces.
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