The Las Vegas Raiders finished the 2024 season with a 4-13 record. It marked their third consecutive sub-.500 campaign who haven’t made the postseason since 2021. In fact, the franchise has posted only three .500 or better finishes since 2012.
Entering the offseason, it was clear the Raiders needed to bolster their offense to compete. In January, the franchise hired Pete Carroll as its head coach, bringing in a former Super Bowl winner to lead the team.
Raiders Plan to Improve
Next, the Raiders were aggressive in free agency, adding defensive players such as safeties Jeremy Chinn and Lonnie Johnson Jr., cornerback Eric Stokes and linebacker Elandon Roberts.
Now, the team is focused on improving its offense.
Earlier this week, the Raiders acquired quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick (No. 92 overall). The trade reunited Smith with Carroll, with whom he shared success in Seattle.
How can the Raiders use the 2025 NFL Draft to build out the rest of their offense?
First Round: Raiders Predicted to Pick RB Ashton Jeanty
The Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick in this year’s draft. After securing their quarterback in the Smith deal, the team is predicted to select former Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty.
“After trading for Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith, it’s unlikely the Las Vegas Raiders push hard for a quarterback in Round 1,” Jacob Infante states in the latest PFSN mock draft. “Instead, it makes sense to surround Smith with more offensive weapons.
“Ashton Jeanty put up eye-popping numbers for Boise State in 2024. He’s a smart runner with great agility, vision and contact balance. His skills in the passing game also make him a high-impact starter. He’d be a great fit for a coach like Pete Carroll, who leans on the run game.”
The Raiders didn’t have a single rusher top 500 yards in 2024. The team was led by veterans Alexander Mattison (420) and Ameer Abdullah (311) in a backfield that finished last in the NFL. The Raiders averaged just 79.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 32nd in the league.
Mattison, who led the team in carries, rushed for only 3.2 yards per attempt. Adding a playmaker like Jeanty would seemingly provide immediate results in the running back room.
Jeanty ran for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in his final collegiate season.
Second Round: Raiders Predicted to Pick WR Luther Burden III
Las Vegas’ second pick, No. 37 overall, could be used to give Smith another playmaker outside the tackles. According to PFSN’s latest mock draft, the team is predicted to select wide receiver Luther Burden III.
“Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers are two talented pass-catchers, but if the Raiders want to make their trade for Smith worth it, they’ll invest in a wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“Luther Burden III’s production dropped in 2024 compared to his All-American 2023 season, but the tools are all still there. He’s elite after the catch with the ball-carrier vision, contact balance and lateral quickness needed to make him a home-run hitter on any given play. If he continues to develop as a route runner, the sky’s the limit for the Missouri product.”
Burden had an explosive campaign in 2023 with 86 receptions for 1,212 yards, but his production declined in 2024. Burden ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine.
Last season, the Raiders selected tight end Brock Bowers with the No. 13 overall pick. The former University of Georgia standout delivered as a rookie with 112 receptions, 1,194 yards and five touchdowns.
The NFL Draft takes place April 24 to April 26.