- Turning across the operating sport: Ashton Jeanty’s 152 missed tackles compelled had been almost 50 greater than some other FBS operating again final season, and he was the one again in school soccer with 10 or extra landing runs of 20-plus yards (12).
- Raiders get inventive within the backfield: They now have quite a few items that afford them an opportunity to flex some creativity. A wildcat set that includes Jeanty, JJ Pegues, who scored seven touchdowns on 21 carries as Lane Kiffin’s wildcat quarterback and Montana State product Tommy Mellott shall be a nightmare for defenses.
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In their first draft of calling the photographs for the Raiders, Pete Carroll and John Spytek labored some magic to place collectively a category stuffed with expertise. Headlined by elite prospects on the high and a mixture of worth picks in later rounds, Vegas’ 11 picks profile as probably the greatest draft lessons within the NFL, incomes reward in PFF’s draft grades.
Las Vegas Raiders 2025 NFL Draft Class:
1 (6): RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
2 (58): WR Jack Bech, TCU
3 (68): CB Darien Porter, Iowa State
3 (98): T Caleb Rogers, Texas Tech
3 (99): T Charles Grant, William & Mary
4 (108): WR Dont’e Thornton Jr., Tennessee
4 (135): DI Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina
6 (180): DI JJ Pegues, Ole Miss
6 (213): QB Tommy Mellott, Montana State
6 (215): QB Cam Miller, North Dakota State
7 (222): LB Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota
A generational expertise within the backfield in Round 1: The Raiders wanted a difference-maker at operating again after ending with only a 57.9 PFF dashing grade final season, the worst mark within the NFL. Ashton Jeanty definitely qualifies. His 152 missed tackles compelled had been almost 50 greater than some other FBS operating again final season, and he was the one again in school soccer with 10 or extra landing runs of 20-plus yards (12).
A high-potential receiver in Round 2: The star of the Senior Bowl sport, Jack Bech is one other weapon for newly acquired quarterback Geno Smith. He brings wonderful fingers, having dropped only one cross in 2024. He was additionally environment friendly, averaging 2.44 yards per route run. Bech confirmed good potential as a freshman earlier than accidents derailed his subsequent few seasons, however he broke out as a senior with 1,034 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2024.
Rookie to observe: DI JJ Pegues, Ole Miss
Pegues isn’t a flexible participant solely attributable to his capability to play all around the defensive entrance; his versatility extends to the offensive facet of the ball, the place he showcased his distinctive agility at over 300 kilos as Lane Kiffin’s wildcat quarterback. That capability to make performs on either side of the ball — 74.6 PFF defensive grade and 92.3 PFF offensive grade — will make Pegues a fan favourite.
Position/function battle to observe: CB Darien Porter vs. CB Jakorian Bennett
The Raiders ranked useless final in staff PFF protection grade (30.4) final season. Bennett was one among many within the secondary who struggled, having earned a 61.0 PFF protection grade earlier than happening with an damage.
Porter is a uncommon prospect — a large receiver-turned-cornerback with splendid ball expertise who ranks above the ninety fifth percentile in peak and size and has an elite observe background that interprets to the sphere. He excelled in 2024, incomes a 90.1 PFF protection and surrendering simply 0.34 yards per protection snap.
Draft grade: A