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5 hours ago
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The 2025 NFL draft is always an important event for every team in the league, but that is even more true this year for the Las Vegas Raiders.
After firing former head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco, the Raiders hired Pete Carroll and John Spytek to take over, and now the pair is looking to turn the page to what will hopefully be a successful chapter in team history after years of struggles for the franchise.
The Raiders own nine picks in this year's event, with at least one in each round. The only round Las Vegas has multiple selections in is the sixth, where the team has three. The Raiders initially had two picks in the third round but one of those is residing in Seattle thanks to the Geno Smith trade.
Let's take a look at where exactly each of the Raiders' nine picks are, and what some of their biggest NFL draft needs are, in no particular order.
Raiders 2025 NFL draft picks
- Round 1: No. 6
- Round 2: No. 37
- Round 3: No. 68
- Round 4: No. 108
- Round 5: No. 143
- Round 6: Nos. 180, 213, 215
- Round 7: No. 222
Raiders NFL draft needs
Where do we begin?
Running back: The Raiders had the worst rushing attack in the NFL and currently have a running backs room that features Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick. That's simply not good enough.
Wide receiver: The Raiders never replaced Davante Adams, so a true No. 1 target is needed alongside tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. On top of that, Las Vegas' depth at the position is shaky, to say the least.
Quarterback: Even with the trade for Smith, the Raiders should explore adding a quarterback on Day 2 or 3. Smith is set to turn 35 this year and has never proven he has what it takes to get a team over the hump to big things. He's a strong bridge guy and nothing more.
Offensive tackle: Kolton Miller isn't taking part in voluntary workouts as he seeks to get a new or re-worked deal. If the Raiders end up trading Miller, it would leave a massive hole at left tackle.
Cornerback: The Raiders don't have a sure starting option opposite Jakorian Bennett. The jury is still out on Decamerion Richardson and Eric Stokes' disappointing career suggests he won't be the answer.
Safety: The Raiders lost both of their starting safeties from last season, leaving the team with Jeremy Chinn, who is on a one-year deal, and Isaiah Pola-Mao, who is unproven.
Defensive line: You can never have enough edge rushers and Adam Butler, who is slated to start next to Christian Wilkins, isn't a three-down player on the interior because of his lackluster run defense. On top of that, there are concerns about Wilkins' readiness for the 2025 season after suffering a Jones fracture last year.
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