The Las Vegas Raiders are hoping to enter the 2025 NFL season with the ghosts of their pasts behind them. A new ownership group led by Tom Brady, a new head coach Pete Carroll, and a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft gives fans ample optimism that things could change in Nevada.
And one analyst believes that change is coming in the draft itself. With ample needs on both sides of the ball, the Raiders can’t rebuild in a singular offseason. However, they can lay the foundations with an offense-rebuilding first three rounds.
Las Vegas Raiders Predicted to Dynamize the Offense
Last year, the Raiders were a wholly one-dimensional offense. Their ground game was virtually non-existent and their highest rushing yard total was Alexander Mattison with just 420 yards. That needs to change and the team needs to add some versatility to its offense.
With Gardner Minshew being released by the team, it is clear that they are getting a new quarterback. And Reese Decker from PFSN believes they will add one in the 2025 NFL Draft, just not the one everyone is expecting.
In their latest mock draft, Decker had the Raiders selecting Abdul Carter with the sixth overall pick, before addressing their abysmal ground game with TreVeyon Henderson in the backfield out of Ohio State. The reasoning is two-fold – the first is fixing their mistake by letting Josh Jacobs walk.
The other is the value and familiarity Henderson brings. “This draft class is loaded with dynamic running backs, making it the perfect opportunity for the Raiders to correct their mistake — at a fraction of the cost.
“TreVeyon Henderson is a lightning rod, a dynamic playmaker who can take any touch to the house. Reuniting with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly ensures Henderson will be a perfect fit for Las Vegas’ scheme.”
However, that isn’t the only addition they’re making on offense in the early stages of the Draft. Due to his relationship with Tom Brady, Shedeur Sanders to the Raiders remains a popular possibility. But, Decker believes Las Vegas will go a different route, instead selecting Will Howard with the 68th overall pick.
The Ohio State quarterback who led them to a College Football Playoff National Championship is, of course, familiar with Henderson and Kelly as well. In his final year with the Buckeyes, he tallied 4,010 yards along with 35 touchdowns, while adding a running edge to his game with 226 yards and seven rushing touchdowns as well.
In one fell swoop, the Raiders could have a vastly different outlook. It will depend on how the two moves pan out but it would certainly give fans plenty to look forward to in the 2025 NFL season.