Las Vegas Raiders 2025 Training Camp Preview: A New Era Under Pete Carroll

As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for their 2025 NFL Training Camp, kicking off tomorrow, July 17, at their state-of-the-art facility in Henderson, Nevada, excitement is palpable. Rookies report on July 17, with veterans joining on July 22, marking the start of a transformative season under new head coach Pete Carroll, a Super Bowl champion renowned for revitalizing teams. After a lackluster 2024 campaign that saw the Raiders win just four games and field the NFL’s worst rushing attack, this training camp is a critical juncture. This article explores expectations for the team’s veterans and rookies while offering an opinion on what training camp might look like under Carroll’s dynamic leadership.

Expectations for Veterans

The Raiders’ veteran core is tasked with anchoring a franchise eager to shed its reputation for mediocrity. The most significant offseason addition is quarterback Geno Smith, who reunites with Carroll after their successful collaboration in Seattle. Traded to Las Vegas and signed to an extension, Smith is expected to stabilize a quarterback room that contributed to the team’s 29th-ranked scoring offense in 2024 (18.2 points per game). His familiarity with Carroll’s system and veteran poise, despite limited playoff experience, should provide leadership. Smith must elevate an offense that faltered in high-stakes moments, particularly against the AFC West’s elite defenses.

Left tackle Kolton Miller remains the cornerstone of the offensive line, and his health is paramount to protecting Smith and creating lanes for a revamped rushing attack. Miller’s matchups against top edge rushers like Kansas City’s Chris Jones will be a focal point in camp. Defensively, star tackle Christian Wilkins, signed to a $110 million deal last offseason, is a question mark due to a foot injury that sidelined him during OTAs and minicamp. His absence would thrust veterans like Leki Fotu and Zachary Carter into larger roles, alongside younger players, to fortify the defensive front. The Raiders must manage Wilkins’ recovery carefully, as his presence is vital against opponents like Kansas City’s Trey Smith.

Safety Jeremy Chinn, a free-agent acquisition, brings a hard-hitting mentality to a secondary needing depth, a concern echoed by fans and analysts. Chinn’s ability to adapt to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme, retained at Carroll’s request, will be crucial for a defense that ranked last in the AFC West in 2024. Wide receiver Brock Bowers, fresh off a historic rookie season in 2024, is poised to expand his role under Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. As a primary target for Smith, Bowers could redefine the passing game. Veteran running back Raheem Mostert, another offseason addition, will bolster the run-heavy approach, mentoring younger backs while leveraging his speed to improve a ground game that was the NFL’s worst in 2024. Veterans are expected to embody Carroll’s “compete every day” character, setting a professional tone for a roster in flux.

Expectations for Rookies and Second-Year Players

The Raiders’ 2025 rookie class is led by running back Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick, who carries immense expectations. Labeled a potential “1-of-1” talent by minority owner Tom Brady, Jeanty is tasked with transforming a rushing attack that ranked last in yards per game and expected points added per rush in 2024. Analysts stress that Jeanty must deliver immediately to justify his draft status. His performance in camp will shape the run-heavy offense crafted by Kelly, who orchestrated a dynamic ground game at Ohio State.

Second-round wide receiver Jack Bech, who remains unsigned, is another rookie to watch, especially as the Raiders aim to bolster their passing attack. Paired with Jakobi Meyers, Bech could form a formidable perimeter duo, giving Smith reliable targets. Defensively, rookie linebackers Cody Lindenberg and Darien Porter are vying for special teams roles, which could secure their roster spots. Lindenberg, in particular, is competing for snaps previously held by waived linebacker Amari Burney, and his special teams prowess aligns with Carroll’s emphasis on competition.

Defensive tackles Tonka Hemingway and J.J. Pegues may see significant reps if Wilkins’ recovery lags, facing the challenge of matching up against elite blockers. Their performance in camp drills will be critical to earning Graham’s trust. Second-year linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, a 2024 fifth-round pick, is poised for a breakout after limited snaps as a rookie. With veteran Robert Spillane gone, Eichenberg’s familiarity with the system positions him to compete for a starting role, particularly as the strong-side linebacker. His camp performance will be pivotal in securing a larger defensive role. Sixth-round quarterback Cam Miller, endorsed by Brady, will battle for the third-string spot behind Smith and Aidan O’Connell, with his preseason showing likely determining his roster fate.

Opinion: What Training Camp Might Look Like Under Pete Carroll

Under Pete Carroll, the Raiders’ 2025 training camp is poised to be a high-octane, competition-driven affair, reflecting his successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. Known for his infectious energy and “always compete” philosophy, Carroll will infuse camp with urgency and optimism, a sharp departure from the Raiders’ 2024 struggles. Practices will likely be intense, physical, and fast-paced, emphasizing fundamentals, especially in the trenches. Carroll’s teams historically excel at running the ball and playing stout defense, and camp will reflect this identity. Drills will prioritize offensive line cohesion to support Jeanty and Mostert, while defensive sessions will focus on gap discipline to address last season’s porous run defense.

Carroll’s knack for connecting with players will foster a culture where veterans like Smith and Chinn mentor younger talent. Retaining Patrick Graham signals confidence in the defensive scheme, but Carroll will likely push for aggressive play-calling and turnovers, a reminder of his “Legion of Boom” era. The quarterback room, now streamlined to Smith, O’Connell, and Miller, will be a focal point, with Carroll leveraging his history with Smith to refine the passing game. Special teams will be a priority, as Carroll’s staff, led by coordinator Jay McMahon, emphasizes competition for roster spots, giving players like Lindenberg and Porter opportunities to shine.

The Henderson facility will be loud with fan excitement, particularly during open practices at Allegiant Stadium, as Raider Nation embraces Carroll’s championship pedigree. Challenges remain, Wilkins’ injury, secondary depth concerns, and the AFC West’s competitiveness will test progress. Carroll’s ability to instill a “Just Win, Baby” mentality, paired with Kelly’s offensive ingenuity and general manager Zack Spytek’s talent acquisitions, will make camp a proving ground for a franchise seeking respect. While a 2025 playoff berth may be ambitious, bookmakers’ 7.5-win projection reflects optimism that Carroll’s leadership can spark a turnaround.

Conclusion

The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 training camp, starting tomorrow, is a defining moment for a franchise at a crossroads. Veterans like Geno Smith, Maxx Crosby, Kolton Miller, and Brock Bowers must lead, while rookies like Ashton Jeanty and second-year players like Tommy Eichenberg aim to make immediate impacts. Under Pete Carroll’s high-energy leadership, camp will be a crucible of competition, laying the groundwork for a revitalized Silver and Black. As the Raiders strive to reshape their narrative and contend in the AFC West, all eyes will be on Henderson to see if this new era delivers on its promise.