The 2025 NFL Draft is less than two months away and as more and more veteran players are either re-signed or released, team needs are becoming more apparent each day. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the most glaring need is a franchise quarterback.
But with a host of big names on the free agent cy market, the latest three-round mock draft from PFSN has the Raiders landing huge value at number six.
What Are the Raiders’ Chances of Landing a Quarterback With the Sixth Pick?
After cutting Derek Carr after nine years following the 2022 season, the Raiders are yet to find his replacement. Jimmy Garoppolo, journeyman Gardner Minshew, 2023 fourth-round pick Aiden O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder have all attempted to land the Raiders job long-term, but all have failed.
Many expect the team to make a bullish move in the upcoming draft, with two quarterbacks set to be taken early. The Raiders are currently on the outside looking in, with all three opening picks owned by quarterback-needy teams, and Las Vegas currently not picking until six.
That doesn’t completely rule them out, though, as the team could trade up for an earlier pick if they are willing to pay a price. The pre-draft controversy surrounding Shedeur Sanders’ character could also help the Raiders if enough teams were put off.
The Patriots and Jaguars pick at four and five, who already have their franchise quarterbacks. If two of the Titans, Browns, and Giants opt to pass on a quarterback, the Raiders could see one fall into their lap.
It should also be noted that the Giants are reported to be seriously considering Aaron Rodgers for their quarterback job in 2025, which would be a huge boost for the Raiders’ chances.
PFSN Mock Predicts Abdul Carter to Las Vegas at Six
If the Raiders decide to sign a veteran starter in free agency, though, the team would be free to make a splash in the draft. The Chicago Bears recently opened up their options in round one by addressing their offensive line needs with trades for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney.
Las Vegas could decide to do the same, with Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Sam Darnold available. If they do, PFSN’s mock predicts they will take Penn State’s Abdul Carter, finishing April’s draft with arguably the best defensive line in football.
“The Raiders already feature one of the NFL’s most formidable defensive fronts, led by All-Pro Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins. If the draft unfolds in their favor, they’ll have the opportunity to pair Crosby, one of the league’s premier pass rushers, with true blue-chip talent on the opposite edge.
Carter is a premier pass rusher who boasts positional flexibility. The 6’3″, 251-pounder transitioned from inside linebacker to full-time edge rusher for the 2024 season with the Nittany Lions. He’s a disruptive player with elite get-off speed who is lethal when he gets his pad level lower.”
While Carter is fully expected to be taken higher in the draft, recent injury revelations could potentially see him fall. Things should be far clearer after free agency, with those free-agent veterans on new teams, but the only predictable thing about the NFL Draft remains it’s unpredictability.