This 2025 NFL Mock Draft follows the Las Vegas Raiders as they acquire their quarterback of the future. But beyond that, the Raiders also add depth and top-end talent to their defense, and they bring in value on Day 3.
Who Could the Las Vegas Raiders Draft in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Note: The draft order for the 2025 NFL Mock Draft was derived from my record and playoff predictions for the 2024 NFL regular season.
3) Las Vegas Raiders: Donovan Smith, QB, Houston
Donovan Smith is from Las Vegas, so it’s only fitting that he gets to play for his hometown team in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft. He has the talent to emerge in an open QB class.
Smith’s tape isn’t without its low moments, but the high moments go overlooked at times. He’s a stellar athlete and off-platform artist who flashes great anticipation and precision.
2.35) Las Vegas Raiders: Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan
With Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo on expiring contracts, linebacker could be a need for Las Vegas. Jaishawn Barham allows the Raiders to be at ease on running downs with his strength and gap discipline, and his pass-rush upside is immense.
3.67) Las Vegas Raiders: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
At 6’2″, 195 pounds, Azareye’h Thomas has the length and searing explosiveness the Raiders like on the boundary.
Rounds 4-7
4.100) Bryce Anderson, S, Texas A&M
6.164) Izavion Miller, OT, Auburn
7.196) Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Raiders 2025 NFL Mock Draft Analysis
Las Vegas might be able to stay afloat with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew in 2024, but staying afloat is far from good enough in the cluttered AFC.
The Raiders are one of several teams that should be fixated on 2025 QB options. And Smith is near the top of the list.
Smith’s high turnover production invites some natural hesitance, but the tape is inspiring at its best moments.
While Smith can cut down on the hasty decisions — especially with linebackers looming underneath — he does have good leverage IQ and spatial awareness as a passer, and he flashes stellar anticipation.
Beyond the operational flashes, Smith is a top-flight physical talent with supremely fluid and explosive athleticism and superb off-platform throwing ability. With the Raiders’ weapons, he would be able to produce fairly early in his career.
Most of this Raiders mock draft focused on defense after the first pick.
Jaishawn Barham is an absolute enforcer at the second level, while Azareye’h Thomas brings athletic upside at CB. Bryce Anderson has range and willing physicality at safety, and Jack Sawyer is a quality rotational addition on the edge.
The sleeper to watch here is Auburn’s Izavion Miller. While Miller needs to add more mass to his frame, he’s a supremely explosive athlete who thrives on the move, and his flexibility earns him good leverage acquisition skills. In time, he could compete for the starting RT job.
