Balanced Take on the Raiders’ 2025 NFL Draft: Building a Versatile Future

Raider Nation, the 2025 NFL Draft has wrapped, and with Pete Carroll’s leadership, John Spytek’s scouting, and Tom Brady’s input, the Raiders took a strategic approach to retool a 4-13 roster. With nine picks, including No. 6 overall, the Silver and Black blended star potential with depth to spark hope in the Black Hole. The plan to convert sixth-round QB Tommy Mellott to wide receiver adds an intriguing twist. Was this a draft to propel us forward, or a cautious rebuild? Let’s evaluate each pick with a fair lens, weighing pros and cons, to see how this class shapes our future.

Round 1, Pick 6: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

Pros: Jeanty’s a game-changer, with 2,601 rushing yards in 2024 and Heisman finalist credentials. His vision, balance (126 forced missed tackles), and pass-catching ability make him a perfect fit for Carroll’s run-first offense. Our 32nd-ranked rushing attack (79.8 yards per game) gets a dynamic RB1 to pair with Geno Smith’s play-action.

Cons: A running back at No. 6 is bold in a pass-heavy NFL. Elite prospects like Will Campbell or Mason Graham could’ve fortified the trenches, and Jeanty’s heavy college workload (344 carries) raises durability flags.

Take: Jeanty’s potential to redefine our offense is electric, evoking memories of prime Darren McFadden. While a lineman might’ve been safer, his star power could shift games. If he stays healthy, this pick sets a tone.

Round 2, Pick 58: WR Jack Bech, TCU

Pros: Bech’s 1,034-yard season and 6’1”, 215-pound frame bring reliability to a thin WR room. A Senior Bowl standout and Biletnikoff semifinalist, he’s a tough, versatile target to complement Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers.

Cons: Lacking elite speed, Bech isn’t a deep threat or a true WR1 to replace Davante Adams. A flashier playmaker could’ve stretched defenses further.

Take: Bech’s a dependable No. 2 who fits our physical identity. He may not dazzle, but his consistency could stabilize our passing game, letting others shine. A smart, steady addition.

Round 3, Pick 68: CB Darien Porter, Iowa State

Pros: At 6’3” with a 4.30 40, Porter’s a Carroll-style corner with lockdown potential. His three picks and stingy coverage (five completions allowed in 2024) scream upside, and his special teams background adds early value to a depleted secondary.

Cons: With just one year starting, he’s raw, and his tackling needs work. A plug-and-play corner would’ve helped against AFC West receivers like Davante Adams.

Take: Porter’s athleticism and Carroll’s DB coaching make this a high-reward pick. He’s a project, but his ceiling as a CB1 is exciting. Raider Nation can dream on his development.

Round 3, Pick 98: G Caleb Rogers, Texas Tech

Pros: Rogers’ 55 consecutive starts and ability to play guard or tackle add versatility to a shaky O-line. His fit in Carroll’s zone-blocking scheme and ties to Tyree Wilson could ease his transition.

Cons: Projected as a Day 3 pick by some, his technique needs polish, and he’s not an immediate starter. With Kolton Miller’s contract looming, we hoped for more impact.

Take: Rogers brings depth and flexibility, a practical move for a line needing stability. He’s not a star, but his experience suggests he’ll contribute soon. A quietly savvy pick.

Round 3, Pick 99: T Charles Grant, William & Mary

Pros: Grant’s size and athleticism make him a developmental tackle with starter potential. Learning behind Miller or Thayer Munford, he’s a long-term bet to protect Geno.

Cons: Small-school prospects carry risk, and Grant’s unpolished technique means he’s a project. A more polished player at a needier spot could’ve helped now.

Take: Grant’s upside reflects Spytek’s knack for finding raw talent. He’s a low-risk swing who could pay off big if coached up, reinforcing our trench focus.

Round 4, Pick 108: WR Dont’e Thornton Jr., Tennessee

Pros: Thornton’s 6’5”, 205-pound frame and 4.3 speed make him a deep-ball weapon (Al is cheering from the Heavens). Leading the nation in yards per catch, he’s the X-receiver to stretch defenses, opening lanes for Bech and Bowers.

Cons: His limited route tree and occasional drops mark him as raw. Our WR coaching must refine his skills to unlock his potential.

Take: Thornton’s speed adds a dimension we’ve missed, evoking classic Raider deep threats. If he polishes his game, he’s a steal. This pick balances Bech’s reliability with explosiveness.

Round 4, Pick 135: DT Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina

Pros: Hemingway’s 61 games and run-stopping prowess bring veteran depth behind Christian Wilkins. His durability makes him a reliable rotational piece for a thin D-line.

Cons: He’s not a disruptor or nose tackle, and we needed more juice to counter AFC West rushing attacks. This pick feels safe over splashy.

Take: Hemingway’s a workmanlike addition who bolsters our interior. He won’t dominate, but his experience shores up a weak spot. Good value for a mid-rounder.

Round 6, Pick 180: DT JJ Pegues, Ole Miss

Pros: Pegues’ size and versatility (some offensive snaps) make him an intriguing flier. As a depth piece, he could carve out a role with coaching, adding to our D-line rotation.

Cons: Another rotational DT feels redundant, and his impact may be limited. A higher-upside player at a needier position could’ve been targeted.

Take: Pegues is a low-risk gamble with enough tools to stick. Late-round picks are about finding contributors, and he fits as a developmental piece with upside.

Round 6, Pick 213: WR Tommy Mellott, Montana State

Pros: Originally drafted as a QB, Mellott’s shift to WR leverages his dual-threat athleticism and leadership. His mobility and intangibles could make him a gadget player or special teams ace, adding roster flexibility.

Cons: Transitioning from FCS QB to NFL WR is a tall order, and his limited receiving experience makes him a long shot. A more traditional receiver might’ve been safer.

Take: Mellott’s conversion is a creative swing, reflecting Carroll’s outside-the-box thinking. If he adapts, he’s a versatile weapon; if not, he’s a low-cost experiment. Intriguing potential here. I would expect Mellott to become the Raiders Swiss Army knife

Round 6, Pick 215: QB Cam Miller, North Dakota State

Pros: A Walter Payton Award winner with 54 starts, Miller’s a mobile, proven winner. As a developmental QB behind Geno and Aidan O’Connell, he adds camp competition.

Cons: His FCS background limits his ceiling, likely a backup at best. A linebacker or safety might’ve addressed a more pressing need.

Take: Miller’s a safe bet to compete in camp, with enough tools to stick as a No. 3 QB. He’s not the future, but he’s a low-risk depth piece for a position needing options.

Round 7, Pick TBD: LB Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota

Pros: A two-time All-Big Ten pick, Lindenberg’s instincts and tackling bolster a thin linebacker room. His special teams value ensures early contributions.

Cons: Late-round linebackers rarely become starters, and we need more than depth to slow down AFC West offenses.

Take: Lindenberg’s a gritty, high-floor player who fits our defensive culture. He’s not a game-changer, but his reliability adds depth we sorely need.

Final Verdict: The 2025 draft is a thoughtful, forward-looking haul for the Raiders, blending immediate contributors with high-upside projects. Jeanty and Thornton inject offensive dynamism, while Bech and Porter offer reliability and growth potential. The trench focus (Rogers, Grant, Hemingway, Pegues) reinforces a physical identity, crucial for AFC West battles. Mellott’s WR experiment is a bold, creative gamble that could add versatility, and Miller’s QB depth keeps the position flexible. No true WR1 or instant defensive star hurts, but this class addresses key needs while betting on development. Raider Nation should feel encouraged: this draft lays a foundation for competitiveness, with pieces to build around under Carroll’s steady hand. The road to “Just Win, Baby” is clearer, and this group gives us plenty to ponder, and root for, as we chase relevance.