Hidden gems after Round 1 who would be a great fit for the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft
Every single draft class has prospects that the general consensus of people who follow the draft don't really know about. And every year, there is a player taken by your favorite team that you may not know enough about, and they could be very good. Just because a player is taken in the fourth, fifth, […]
Every single draft class has prospects that the general consensus of people who follow the draft don't really know about. And every year, there is a player taken by your favorite team that you may not know enough about, and they could be very good.
Just because a player is taken in the fourth, fifth, sixth, or even seventh round doesn't always mean they are one of the worst players in the draft, or whatever narrative your mind instantly gravitates towards. In fact, some college players are more suited for the NFL game than the pro game.
There are hidden gems all throughout the draft, especially this class. And, the Raiders could take one of them. What I've done is compile a list of guys I think aren't getting enough love based on some of the tape I have seen, or just aren't as known because of where they played and how often they have played.
For now, we will start with three prospects and throw in some honorable mentions.
3 hidden gems in the 2025 NFL Draft for the Raiders
1. Marcus Mbow, Purdue, OT
Marcus Mbow was on a very bad team last year in Purdue, so I feel like a lot of the bad you see in his tape and in his stats are due to the people around him, the bad offensive scheme he was in, and a handful of other things. that doesn't mean he doesn't have things he needs to work on, but he certainly feels like he isn't getting enough love.
To me, he feels like a bit shorter version of Taylor Lewan, the former Tennessee Titans offensive tackle, when it comes to his frame. He's lean but he's very strong. Now, he's not as lean as Lewan is now after having some time away from the NFL, but he is lean how Lewan was for the Titans. But at 6'5' he's a bit shorter.
Mbow is quick for his size and is able to get out in space and block in the run or screen game. And, the Raiders had a ton of issues there last year. His pass blocking isn't too bad either, but when he's challenged with much bigger defenders, he doesn't do a great job of anchoring. He has good footwork, and the potential is through the roof. Mbow is projected to be a Day 2 guy.
2. David Walker, Central Arkansas, EDGE
The Raiders really need an edge rusher as a backup plan for Malcolm Koonce, and possibly Tyree Wilson. For Koonce, if he isn't able to come back and play at the same level, they will need a replacement, and Wilson could be a guy they let walk after his rookie deal. And, even if Koonce is able to bounce back, he's on a one-year deal and could get a better offer from another team next offseason. Walker is going to be a project, but man, his college tape is good.
Walker played FCS football, but that doesn't mean he can't play in the NFL — it's why he's a hidden gem. He is a bit undersized, but man, he is quick off the line and he's strong, too. The Raiders need a guy to be a legit force on the opposite side of Maxx Crosby, and after some development, Walker can be that. Walker is predicted to be an early Day 3 pick.
3. Charles Grant, William and Mary, OT
Grant started for three years at left tackle, with 41 starts total, including 36 in a row. In 2024, his senior year, he earned Consensus All-America First Team honors, showing his progress from a lesser-known recruit to a top player. Grant’s strengths come from his athleticism and technique. He’s strong in pass protection, allowing only two sacks in his last three seasons, using his long arms and good hand skills. And we know that is what the Texans desperately need.
His play earned him a spot in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, a key event for scouts to be able to see some of the smaller school players go up against some of the best older players in the country — guys who will likely play in the NFL. We all know the Raiders need an offensive tackle with the recent Kolton Miller situation, and a hidden gem like Grant wouldn't be a bad way to go.
Grant is also predicted to be taken early on Day 3.
Honorable Mentions
Andrew Armstrong, WR, Arkansas,
Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
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