NFL

Raiders Team Needs: 5 Positions To Target In NFL Draft & Free Agency

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By
Dan Girolamo
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Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other passion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

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Published14 Feb 2025

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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98).

The Las Vegas Raiders will enter the 2025 season under a new regime. Pete Carroll and John Spytek are the head coach and general manager. Now, it’s time to build the roster. What are the Raiders’ team needs? Here are the five positions to target in the NFL Draft and free agency.

Quarterback

For the Raiders to improve upon their 4-13 record, it all starts at the quarterback position.

After using the trio of Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder in 2024, the team must find a better option in 2025.

If Carroll turns to a veteran, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, and Aaron Rodgers could be viable and cheap options.

Sam Darnold is another intriguing option, though he will be more expensive than the three veterans.

If the Raiders choose to pick a quarterback in the draft, they will likely have to trade up from No. 6 to take Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.

Running Back

The Las Vegas Raiders were dead last in rushing yards per game (79.8).

That will certainly change with Chip Kelly as the new offensive coordinator.

Bill Barnwell joked the Raiders will take Henderson in the second round due to his Ohio State connections with Kelly. All jokes aside, Henderson is exactly the type of running back the Raiders need to make their offense more dynamic.

Wide Receiver

Brock Bowers had arguably the best rookie season ever for a tight end.

Jakobi Meyers is an excellent possession receiver.

Besides Bowers and Meyers, the Raiders need help in the receiving corps.

If the Raiders stay at No. 6, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan could be a fit.

McMillan is an explosive receiver who can change the game as soon as the ball touches his hands.

Offensive Line

The Raiders have some solid pieces on the offensive line, including Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze.

However, the team must strengthen that unit, especially with a new quarterback starting under center.

The Raiders should have over $100 million in cap space this free agency. Part of that money should go to a reliable offensive lineman.

Defensive Tackle

Carroll won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, primarily because of this defense.

Caroll knows that in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, the Raiders must have a stout defense.

Maxx Crosby is a stud, and Christian Wilkins should be returning from injury.

Adding a player like Michigan’s Mason Graham to an already solid defensive line could take the Raiders’ defense to the next level.