The Las Vegas Raiders walked away from the 2025 NFL Draft with what many view as a strong foundation. With their first draft class together, new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek focused on fit—both in terms of talent and culture—as they begin reshaping the Silver and Black.
The 2025 class looks promising, though the true value of this group won’t be known until they hit the field. Still, there’s a renewed sense of direction in Las Vegas. That’s exactly what owner Mark Davis was hoping for when he hired a veteran head coach known for building winners and paired him with a front office leader adept at evaluating and acquiring talent.
Carroll’s track record—from USC to Seattle—speaks for itself. Spytek, meanwhile, brings years of NFL personnel experience, most recently from his successful tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Together, they’ve set a new course for the Raiders, focused not just on immediate improvements, but on long-term sustainability.
Quarterback Stability in 2025, But Future Still Unfolding
The team appears set at quarterback for the 2025 season with veteran Geno Smith. The Raiders are counting on Smith to bring stability and leadership to the position—at least in the short term. But looking beyond 2025, the quarterback question remains.
Even if Smith plays well and provides consistency, Las Vegas could still be in the market for a signal-caller in the 2026 NFL Draft. That class is shaping up to be deeper and more talented at quarterback than this year’s crop.
Could Drew Allar Be the Las Vegas Raiders’ QB of the Future?
CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso thinks so. In his latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Trapasso projects the Raiders selecting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with the sixth overall pick:
“Allar has kinks to work out of his game — better decision-making and slightly better accuracy,” Trapasso wrote. “The traits are through the roof at 6-foot-5 and close to 240 pounds. Geno Smith is a fine short-term option for the Raiders. Allar represents significant upside for the future, and I could envision Tom Brady gravitating toward a pocket-passer type.”
Allar fits the mold of a classic, high-upside passer—someone who could benefit from sitting behind a veteran like Smith before taking over. The size, arm strength, and raw potential are all there, even if the consistency needs work.
Tom Brady’s Influence Still Looms Large
One X-factor in this entire equation is Tom Brady, whose growing role as a minority owner and advisor adds another layer to the Raiders’ strategic vision. Brady’s affinity for pocket passers—and his ability to mentor or evaluate them—could shape how Las Vegas approaches its quarterback future.
As the Carroll-Spytek era begins in earnest, the Raiders are already thinking a few steps ahead. Their 2025 draft class is in the books, but planning for 2026 and beyond is already underway. With the right pieces in place, Las Vegas could be on the verge of something significant.