How does the roster stack up after the draft?
Let’s take a look at the Las Vegas Raiders’ roster by position after the draft:
Tight end:
Brock Bowers is an elite player. That mean they are set at tight end. Of course, they also have Michael Mayer and free-agent addition Ian Thomas. If Mayer, a third-year player, can make strides and live up to the expectations that where there when he was the No. 35 overall pick in the draft two years ago, the Raiders will be in even better shape at tight end.
Defensive line:
Remember, there was a lot of excitement about this unit last year and it quickly dissipated when Malcolm Koonce and Christian Wilkins were injured. They are supposed to be healthy in 2025 and Maxx Crosby is back after ending last season on the injured reserve, the first time he’s missed playing time in the NFL. If this group gets a dose of good health luck, it should be one of the team’s shining lights.
Running back:
What an upgrade No.1 pick Ashton Jeanty will be over what the Raiders had last season as they have the weakest running game in the league in the first season without Josh Jacobs. Jeanty gives the Raiders’ a stout, legitimate running game again. That’s why it’s OK that Las Vegas used such a high pick at the position, Backups like free-agent addition Raheem Mostert and players like Sincere McCormick, Zamir White and Dylan Laube should round out this revamped unit.
Quarterback:
This is another position that is much better than the Raiders’ 2024 version. Of course, Geno Smith is a big reason why the Raiders’ offense should be so improved in 2025. Aidan O’Connell and drafted small-school player Cam Miller in the sixth round should round out this group. As long, as names like Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder don’t come in play, this should be an improved area.
Offensive line:
There is a chance, by the end of the season, this unit could be ranked much higher. It’s really a work in progress and it depends on how some younger players continue to develop and how the starting unit stays healthy. There is, no doubt, there that it should be a deeper unit after the drafting of Caleb Rogers and Charles Green in the third round. But for this season, there are some questions that we need to be answered. But there are reasons to be hopeful about this group.
Wide receiver:
This is another group that could be pretty good as thigns develop. Las Vegas added young ability in the draft with Jack Bech in the second round, Dont’e Thornton in the fourth and Tommy Mellott in the sixth. Bech and Thornton should certainly make the team and Mellott could make it as well. Bech could start opposite rock-solid starter Jakobi Meyers. There are other pieces here. It will be fascinating to watch this group evolve during the season and how quickly young players can develop to determine just how productive this group will be. While health is pivotal everywhere, it’s very important a player like Meyers stays healthy.
Secondary:
We take a step lower here in terms of expectations. The Raiders are pretty young and don’t have a ton of set high-end performance experience other than new safety Jeremy Chinn. Fast development and health have been key words in this exercise and there are paramount to the success of the Raiders’ secondary in 2025.
Linebacker:
There was major upheaval at this position and the shake out is veterans Elandon Roberts and Devin White, who both signed one-year deals, as the replacements for free-agent departures Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo. Both Roberts and White are decent starters, but are not dynamic at this point. the Raiders have unproven youth behind them. This could be a problem spot with some bad luck.
Conclusion:
The Raiders’ offense should be much more productive and with Bowers, Jeanty and Smith, it has a chance to be open some eyes. The defense has more questions marks. Overall, yes, it will come down to health and development to see how much Pete Carroll can get out of this roster in his first season in Las Vegas.
