Raiders winners and losers after 2025 NFL Draft: Las Vegas just made Geno Smith a very happy man
The Las Vegas Raiders just left the 2025 NFL Draft with a pretty good class, and I'm sure not regretting anything they have done so far. But, there have been some things that could have been better. Then again, we have to remember this is John Spytek's first time calling the shots, as before this, […]
The Las Vegas Raiders just left the 2025 NFL Draft with a pretty good class, and I'm sure not regretting anything they have done so far. But, there have been some things that could have been better.
Then again, we have to remember this is John Spytek's first time calling the shots, as before this, he was just the assistant GM for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For this being his first time, he didn't do too shabby. Every draft will have some ups and downs.
And, every draft will have you walking away thinking certain players on the roster are now winners, and some are losers. The Raiders are no different. So, let's go over who those players are.
Raiders winners and losers after 2025 NFL Draft
Winner: QB Geno Smith
The Raiders made sure they put weapons around Smith. They drafted the best running back in the draft, one of the best receivers in the draft, and another receiver who is considered to be the fastest one in the draft and the best deep threat. Then they grabbed two offensive linemen as well. If anyone is happy after this draft, it should be Smith. He now knows more than ever that the Raiders have his back.
Loser: QB Aidan O'Connell
Not only did he not get traded to a better situation for him, like many thought he would, but the Raiders also drafted a quarterback, one who has a ton of potential. To me, this shows that this new regime looks at O'Connell as nothing more than a career backup, and that has to hurt.
Winner: LB Devin White
The Raiders should have taken a linebacker, one who can play off the ball, much earlier than the seventh round, but they seem to have trust in White that he can get back to playing on coverage like he did during his time in Tampa Bay. But, he hasn't done that in a while; in fact, he didn't do that with the Philadelphia Eagles or the Houston Texans, so I'm not sure why they are so sold on him. But, he will likely be the starter, so he's easily a winner.
Loser: WR Tre Tucker
It won't show up right away, but it's so obvious that Tucker will end up on the losing end of this draft class. The Raiders drafted Dont'e Thornton Jr., a guy who can do everything that Tucker is asked to do, but is bigger, stronger, and faster. Thornton is a rookie, so he won't get the upper hand immediately, but it's very possible that, by the end of the year, Thornton is playing more than Tucker.
Las Vegas Raiders’ new wide receiver Dont’e Thornton is already showing an awareness trait that not every rookie has
The Raiders are banking on his development.
