The Las Vegas Raiders have had a notably active offseason, marked by key trades, extensions, and a strong performance in the 2025 NFL Draft. This flurry of activity has generated considerable excitement around the franchise, which is looking to improve upon recent struggles.
A centerpiece of the Raiders’ draft was the selection of running back Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. This pick addresses the team’s need for a stronger ground game, as the Raiders were last in the NFL in average rushing yards per game. Jeanty’s arrival aligns with new head coach Pete Carroll’s well-known preference for a strong running game.
Analyst Likes Las Vegas Raiders Draft Strategy
Beyond Jeanty, the Raiders’ draft class has been praised by analysts for addressing multiple needs across the roster. Sam Monson of Check The Mic on the 33rd Team’s Podcast Network commended the front office, stating, “I love this draft. They got a ton of players and a ton of interesting players. And I think they have sorta mixed the safe picks with real gambles. I think that’s a good way of doing it. But, they have a ton of guys that should make an impact on this roster.”
Las Vegas has failed to achieve a record above .500 since the 2021 season. The recent additions, both in the coaching staff and player roster, are aimed at rectifying this and restoring the team’s competitiveness. Having been the only team in the AFC West to miss the playoffs, the Raiders have a clear motivation to prove themselves.
If the Raiders can carry the momentum from this productive offseason into the regular season, they could become a formidable force. With a sense of having “nothing to lose and everything to gain,” the Raiders are poised to challenge the status quo in the AFC West and demonstrate that they are no longer the division’s underdogs.