What are Las Vegas Raiders' biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Last Modified Apr 25, 2025 12:11 GMT
John Spytek, Geno Smith and Pete Carroll. Source: Getty Images

While head coaches and general managers come and go, it seems like the Las Vegas Raiders just fail to come out of mediocrity. However, this new regime might have the potential to elevate Silver and Black into prominence. The new head coach, Pete Carroll, has built a championship roster at both the collegiate and NFL levels. His success at USC and Seattle makes him a trustworthy candidate to get the Raiders out of their long-time funk, unlike his previous predecessors.

Trading for Geno Smith and reuniting him with Carroll doesn’t handcuff the team to take a signal caller in the upcoming draft and gives John Spytek room to breathe. In a division where elite head coaches like Andy Reid, Jim Harbaugh, and Sean Payton reside, getting a culture setter like Carroll, at least, helps Las Vegas not lag in terms of coaching talent.

What are the Las Vegas Raiders’ biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Raiders might need to upgrade at multiple levels, especially on defense, where they posted the NFL’s lowest coverage grade in last season since 2020 (32.0), as per PFF. While WR1 is also a need, the Raiders can address it in later rounds as Brock Bowers gives them leeway by being the team’s No.1 option with Jakobi Meyers complementing him in the receiving game.

#4 Linebacker

Robert Spillane’s departure in free agency has left a big hole at the linebacker position, and Las Vegas has done nothing to offset it during free agency, which leaves them to make a move in the 2025 NFL draft to fill that hole.

#3 Defensive Line

Neither John Spytek nor Pete Carroll had any ties to the organization when the Raiders drafted former seventh overall pick Tyree Wilson a couple of years ago. It will be interesting to watch whether the current regime in Las Vegas believes in the Tyree Wilson improving arc or not. By re-signing Malcolm Koonce, they have at least stabilized the edge position for the upcoming season. Grooming Tyree Wilson or a new rookie behind Koonce and Crosby might pay dividends in the future. While Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins certainly give Las Vegas a presence in the trenches, adding one more run-stuffer in the middle makes that line even scarier, especially if Michigan prospect Mason Graham falls to 6.

#2 Secondary

A team that lost almost the majority of the pieces on the secondary in free agency needs a good draft to offset it. While Spytek let free safety Tre’von Moehrig walk, he made up for it by signing strong safety Jeremy Chinn. However, the loss of Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones at cornerback looms large, and that’s where the Raiders' resources need to go prominently in the draft. However, with Pete Carroll’s history with drafting and developing young CBs, the Raiders fans might not need to worry too much about where John Spytek picks them.

#1 Running Back

It goes without saying how much Pete Carroll loves his running backs. No matter who is in the backfield, whether it's Marshawn Lynch, Rashaad Penny, or Kenneth Walker III, Carroll always emphasizes on ground and pound attack. With a generational talent like Ashton Jeanty present in the 2025 NFL draft, the new regime might be more than tempted to select him, given he falls to 6, as many mock drafts have projected.

Other NFL Team Needs in 2025 Draft -

FAQs on Las Vegas Raiders Team Needs

A. The Las Vegas Raiders have won 3 Super Bowls as of 2025. 

A. Geno Smith is the starting QB for the Las Vegas Raiders. 

A. The Las Vegas Raiders last won the Super Bowl during the 1983-84 season. 

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