Aggressive was the best way to describe the mindset that new owner Tom Brady brought to the Las Vegas Raiders’ offseason. Adding Pete Carroll as the new head coach and acquiring Geno Smith in a significant move, the direction for Vegas appears clear.
However, the team is going to need more pieces to go from one of the worst teams in the league to a playoff contender. As a result, the latest mock draft from PFSN outlines a potential path for the Raiders to acquire a strong collection of talent.
6) Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
After trading for Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith, it’s unlikely the Las Vegas Raiders will push hard for a quarterback in Round 1. Instead, it makes sense to surround Smith with more offensive weapons.
Ashton Jeanty put up impressive numbers for Boise State in 2024. He’s a smart runner with great agility, vision, and contact balance. His skills in the passing game also make him a high-impact starter. He’d be a great fit for a coach like Carroll, who emphasizes the run game.
A quarterback and an experienced coach are in place, but after letting Josh Jacobs leave, the Raiders haven’t found a consistent answer at the running back position. Last year, Alexander Mattison led the team with just 420 rushing yards. An upgrade is vitally necessary, and Jeanty is a strong candidate.
37) Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
The Raiders are a good ways away from serious playoff contention, meaning they’d be smart to invest in valuable positions in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Azareye’h Thomas didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage in 2024, according to PFF. He’s a competitive, physical boundary cornerback with impressive speed for a taller player at his position.
For a defense that ranked 21st on PFSN’s Defense+ metric without a strong secondary, Thomas might be an addition that immediately elevates this unit.
68) Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
The FBS leader in receiving yards per game this season, Tre Harris brings an intriguing combination of size, speed, and agility that could make him a dangerous threat at all levels of the field in the pros.
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Outside of Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders lack consistent playmakers who can work alongside Smith. It led the team to a bottom-five finish in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last year. Harris might not be the quintessential primary target, but for Las Vegas, he wouldn’t have to be.
108) Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Geno Smith is expected to be the quarterback in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future after the team extended his contract following his acquisition. However, if they want to take a chance on a backup QB, Quinn Ewers projects as a solid name in that role.
143) Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
The 23rd-place finish on PFSN’s OL+ metric is significantly better than the Seattle Seahawks’ second-to-last finish that Smith had to deal with in 2024. However, that is still not a great mark, and Carroll will want to protect his quarterback as the Raiders try to mount a playoff push.
Adding Hollin Pierce out of Rutgers should be a smart bet thanks to his excellent physical tools. However, he will need to develop into a more well-rounded competitor outside of his run-blocking abilities.
180) Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Raiders brought back Maxx Crosby, but the defensive line is going to need significant help. That is where the next two picks come in. In Tyler Baron, they get an edge rusher who is technically proficient and has a high football IQ.
That should make him a contributor from Day 1, and if he can continue to refine his performance, it could make him a long-term starter for Las Vegas.
213) Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
After Baron, Ty Hamilton is a different addition to the Raiders’ front. He can immediately come in and disrupt on early downs. Yet, he has the physical traits and showed enough against the Big Ten to envision a scenario where he develops into a true three-down threat.
215) Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech
With Bowers, the tight end position in Las Vegas should be secure for quite some time. But if they want to add depth behind the standout rookie from last year, then this year’s draft might be the perfect spot, given the significant depth available at the position.
A throwback player of a bygone era, Hawes has the frame and strength to be a strong blocker who should thrive in running sets.
222) Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
Between Raheem Mostert and Ashton Jeanty, the ground game for Las Vegas looks secure. But if they want a little more versatility, they don’t need to look further than Kyle Monangai out of Rutgers. Back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons in the Big Ten highlight a player who can get the job done.
Adding in his impeccable ball security with zero fumbles through 707 touches will make him valuable to the coaching staff. As a player with a specific skill set, Monangai should be able to carve out a niche for himself in Vegas.