The 2025 offseason has brought major changes for the Las Vegas Raiders. New general manager John Spytek was joined by legendary former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who returned to the NFL after a year away. Still looking for a long-term answer at quarterback, the Raiders then sent a third-round pick to Seattle to land Geno Smith.
That move sets the Raiders up for a more competitive season in 2025. But in the tough AFC West, they’ll need more to make a serious playoff push. They could take another step in late April, as PFSN analyst Reese Decker has the team adding an elite playmaker in his latest three-round mock draft.
Las Vegas Raiders Turning a Page in 2025
Brock Bowers’ standout rookie season in 2024 sparked new hope in Vegas. Add in the surprise hands-on involvement from minority owner Tom Brady, the hiring of Carroll, and the trade for Smith, and there’s plenty of optimism around the team.
Another key move was locking up star pass rusher Maxx Crosby with a long-term extension. He’s one of the best defensive players in the league, and his commitment signals belief that the Raiders are heading in the right direction. But there are still gaps to fill before the season kicks off, especially at running back.
The team’s leading rusher in 2024, Alexander Mattison, left in free agency and signed with the Miami Dolphins. Coming over from Miami is veteran Raheem Mostert. Mattison struggled in Vegas, finishing with the lowest yards per carry among all 46 NFL players with at least 100 rushes last season.
Mostert may not be a lead back anymore, but he’s just one year removed from a 21-touchdown Pro Bowl season in 2023. Injuries have always been a concern, but he brings a solid floor to the position. The Raiders still need a more explosive starter—and they may find him in the draft, according to Decker’s latest prediction.
Raiders Draft Ashton Jeanty With Sixth Overall Pick
The 2025 NFL Draft running back class is considered one of the best in a long time, and Ashton Jeanty has stood out as the top prospect. He opened the 2024 season with six rushing touchdowns for Boise State and went on to score 30 total touchdowns. Even when defenses knew he was getting the ball, they couldn’t stop him — Jeanty topped 100 rushing yards in every game.
The Raiders had three main backs last year — Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, and Zamir White. They combined for just six rushing touchdowns: three from Mattison, two from Abdullah, and one from White. Jeanty scored three or more touchdowns in six separate games in 2024.
Decker believes Jeanty is a perfect match for Carroll’s offense.
“The Raiders’ trade for Geno Smith takes them out of the first-round quarterback discussion. Like Smith and 73-year-old head coach Pete Carroll did in Seattle, the Raiders will look to win with an efficient offense built around a strong ground game.
“Nobody fits that plan better than Jeanty. The 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up is a blue-chip prospect and generational talent. He’s a dynamic playmaker with elite contact balance, remarkable power and durability, top-end speed, and the ability to flip the field in a single cut. He’s an instant game-changer and a foundational piece for a rebuilding team.”
It’s an exciting time to be a Raiders fan. The team continues to make strong offseason moves. And while spending a No. 6 pick on a running back is a big investment, players with Jeanty’s skill set don’t come around often.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
