The Las Vegas Raiders concluded the 2025 NFL Draft with a revamped roster and a new leadership team, including head coach Pete Carroll, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, and general manager John Spytek. Despite these changes, several critical questions remain as the team prepares for the upcoming season.Wikipedia
1. Who Will Lead the Raiders at Quarterback?
The Raiders addressed the quarterback position by acquiring veteran Geno Smith and selecting Cam Miller in the sixth round. However, the decision not to draft a top-tier quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, who fell to the fifth round, has raised eyebrows. Speculation arose regarding Tom Brady’s influence on this decision, given his minority ownership in the team. Brady has publicly denied any involvement, emphasizing that he had no role in player evaluations and criticizing media speculation . The team now faces uncertainty at the quarterback position, with questions about Smith’s ability to lead and Miller’s readiness for the NFL.Diario AS+3talkSPORT+3New York Post+3The Phinsider+5The US Sun+5New York Post+5The US Sun+2New York Post+2talkSPORT+2
2. Is the Offensive Line Ready to Protect?
The Raiders’ offensive line struggled in 2024, ranking 26th by Pro Football Focus and allowing significant pressure on quarterbacks . While the team has promising players like Jackson Powers-Johnson and Delmar Glaze, the right tackle and guard positions remain concerns. Thayer Munford Jr. is expected to start at right tackle, but his previous performance has been inconsistent . Without significant improvements, the offensive line may continue to hinder the team’s offensive capabilities.Yardbarker+2https://www.fantasylife.com+2Las Vegas Sun+2Las Vegas Sun+1Sporting News+1
3. Can the Secondary Handle Elite Offenses?
In a division featuring quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, the Raiders’ secondary must be robust. Currently, the team has Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs as key players, but lacks a reliable option opposite Jones . The team did not make significant additions to the cornerback position in the draft, leaving concerns about their ability to defend against high-powered passing attacks.FanSided+2Sporting News+2Las Vegas Review-Journal+2
4. Who Will Emerge as the Top Wide Receiver?
Following the trade of Davante Adams to the New York Jets, the Raiders are searching for a new leading wide receiver. Jakobi Meyers is a solid option, and rookie tight end Brock Bowers shows promise, but depth at the position is lacking . The team needs additional playmakers to support the passing game and provide reliable targets for the quarterback.Las Vegas Review-Journal+2Sportsnaut+2https://www.fantasylife.com+2
5. Is the Defensive Tackle Position Solidified?
The Raiders addressed the defensive tackle position by drafting Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues, and fans have expressed satisfaction with these additions . Christian Wilkins, a key free-agent acquisition, is expected to anchor the line. However, concerns remain about the lack of a true nose tackle to absorb double teams and stop the run. The team’s success against the run will depend on the development and performance of these new additions.Yardbarker+2Silver And Black Pride+2atozsports.com+2
As the Raiders prepare for the 2025 season, these unresolved questions will be critical to their success. The team’s ability to address these concerns during training camp and the preseason will determine their competitiveness in a challenging division.
