When the Las Vegas Raiders selected Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they sent a clear message: it’s time to fix the league’s worst rushing attack. But while Jeanty is expected to be the engine of the offense, veteran Raheem Mostert may quietly become the X-factor that helps drive the turnaround.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin recently named Mostert a breakout candidate for 2025, despite his presumed backup role. “Jeanty is a rookie, and Mostert has toted the rock at the NFL level for a decade,” Benjamin wrote. “It’s not unreasonable to think his fundamentals could earn him more reps than expected under the sage that is [head coach] Pete Carroll… A lighter workload compared to his peak days in Miami might end up unlocking some of the home run speed that’s propelled him in the past.”
Why Raheem Mostert Could Be the Underrated Key to the Las Vegas Raiders’ Offensive Revival
Indeed, Mostert—who signed a one-year deal with Las Vegas this offseason—is not just a depth piece. He’s a proven playmaker with Pro Bowl-level production on his résumé, and if healthy, his speed and vision remain elite. More importantly, Mostert brings intangibles that will be invaluable for a young and evolving backfield.
“He trains very hard… he is going to be an asset in the locker room,” said Raiders insider Hondo Carpenter. “He’s a role model. He does things the right way, and this is where you get a Raheem that comes in and helps develop Jeanty.”
The Raiders also upgraded the offensive line with the additions of Jackson Powers-Johnson, DJ Glaze, and free-agent guard Alex Cappa, signaling a serious commitment to a ground-and-pound identity under Carroll.
Jeanty may be the future, but don’t be surprised if Mostert helps stabilize the present. His combination of leadership, speed, and experience could quietly make him one of the most important—and underrated—signings of the offseason.