Raiders' 2025 Mock Draft: First post-NFL Combine mock sees Las Vegas make a huge trade
It's almost time for the 2025 NFL Draft. And, that means the craziness is coming in quickly. Of course, the 2025 free agency period must start first, but the Las Vegas Raiders are ready to start checking things off the list. There are so many needs on this team, yet, the roster isn't a bad […]
It's almost time for the 2025 NFL Draft. And, that means the craziness is coming in quickly. Of course, the 2025 free agency period must start first, but the Las Vegas Raiders are ready to start checking things off the list.
There are so many needs on this team, yet, the roster isn't a bad one. If you look at the teams who are choosing around the same as the Raiders, like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, etc, the Raiders have a much better roster than those teams. They are just missing the most important thing — a quarterback. And so, what they do over the next few months is crucial.
Do the Raiders attack the QB Position in free agency by going to get Sam Darnold or Aaron Rodgers? Do they attack it in the NFL Draft by selecting Shedeur Sanders? Or do they do both and just let their rookie QB sit for a year, similar to what the Kansas City Chiefs did with Patrick Mahomes? There are so many options on the table.
Now that the NFL Combine has come and gone, the Raiders can start planning for free agency. And, they may have a bit of a better idea of what will happen on draft night for them and other teams that could have some impact on the decisions they make. So, just like everyone does, I have put together my first post-combine mock draft of the season.
And this one is a bit different than any I have done to this point. In fact, I have the Raiders making a big trade, or two.
Raiders' 2025 post-NFL Combine mock draft
Round 1, Pick 21: Alabama OG Tyler Booker
Yes, you read that right, the Raiders traded back. This isn't necessarily the exact spot I think they will trade back with, but it made the most sense in this mock because the Steelers do need a QB, and helping them get closer is ideal. I also know fans will be upset if the Raiders take a guard in the first round, but Booker is the real deal. This helps you get ready for when you do have your QB.
Round 1, Pick 32: Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart
Yes, yet another trade. I truly feel like the Raiders will make a few trades in this draft. In this case, they get rid of their second round pick just to jump the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and other teams in the beginning of the second round that need a QB, who may not even get a QB in the first round. And, if Dart is there at the beginning of the second round, he won't make it to the Raiders at No. 37. This allows the Raiders to get their QB, but not spend a high pick on him, while still keeping some draft capital.
Round 2, Pick 53: Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins
The Raiders desperately need a new running back, and they will be able to wait until the third or fourth round to get one, but why not get one of Chip Kelly's former guys in the back of the second round with the trade that the Raiders made earlier in this draft. He knows the scheme and he was the best RB on the team last year in it.
Round 3, Pick 68: Iowa State WR Jaylin Noel
The Raiders need more playmakers and weapons around their new QB and in this new offense. And, the offense was the worst part of the team last year, so the first few picks should be focused on that side of the ball, unless there's a prospect available that you just cannot pass up. Noel has speed and slot ability, matched with some versatility and creativity ability that the Raiders can desperately use. Yes, they have Tre Tucker, so you may think they don't need another sub-six footer. However, they also have Jakobi Meyers, a tall WR, who is more of a route runner, so why go that route? The Raiders need speed in this day and age. Noel has that.
Round 4, Pick 107: Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish
The draft can't be fully offensive minded. The Raiders need some defense, too. This time, it's a cornerback, similar to what they have done the last few years on Day 3. Last year it was Decamerion Richardson. And, while he played a ton and got better, the Raiders still need some help there. Parrish is a good option.
Round 5, Pick 144: Miami DT Simeon Barrow Jr.
The Raiders need some depth at the DT position, especially if they plan on letting any of the three DTs they have as free agents, walk. Matthew Butler, Adam Butler, and John Jenkins could all be gone. they need a backup plan, and Barrow is that.
Round 6, Pick 181: Syracuse EDGE Fadil Diggs
With Malcolm Koonce as a free agent, along with K'Lavon Chaisson, the Raiders need a backup plan there, too. They can get a guy who, yes, is at the back end of the draft, but could still fight for a depth spot.
Round 6, Pick 216: Utah LB Karene Reid
The Raiders have a need here with Robert Spillane possibly leaving. They could very well bring him back, but they may not, for all we know. Reid wouldn't be a replacement, per se, but he would help fill the void that Spillane would leave.
Round 6, Pick 218: Missouri WR Theo Wease Jr.
Here is the big body WR that the Raiders could get with Noel earlier in the draft, that way they are getting more than one, both of them different types of guys. Wease Jr. was one heck of a contested catch and red zone guy this last year, but a lot of his game was overshadowed by Luther Burden. He's still a great WR option in the sixth round.
Round 7, Pick 224: Rutger OT, Hollin Pierce
The Raiders have a bit of a question mark at the tackle position with last year's rookie DJ Glaze having both good and bad moments. So, maybe he develops, but if not, why not take a shot on a guy who has the size to play in the NFL in Pierce, who is 6'8".
