With the 2025 NFL draft just a day away, let’s examine our final one-round mock draft for the whole AFC West; who will the Las Vegas Raiders select?
It is finally draft week, folks! At this point, the homework has been done and the tea leaves have been read. All that is left to do is make some final predictions and see how it all plays out. Today we are using a combination of consensus mock draft data, my rankings, and rumblings from around the league to try to guess how Thursday might shake out. For this exercise, we will mock the entire first round but focus on the picks made by the four AFC West teams. Let’s get started!
Final 1-Round AFC West Mock Draft: Predicting The Outcome
Pick No. 6: The Raiders Select Will Johnson, Cornerback, Michigan
This pick likely comes down to Johnson or Ashton Jeanty. At the end of the day, it is difficult to see Las Vegas taking a running back this high. Spending a first-round pick on a running back is what you do when you want to “win now.” The Raiders are simply not in that position, and that is reflected in their offseason moves. If they had invested heavily to keep players such as Tre’von Moehrig, Robert Spillane, and Nate Hobbs, the situation would have been different.
The Raiders will likely look to fill holes on the defense in the first round and then grab a running back on day two. The Jeanty rumors are likely a smokescreen.
Las Vegas is likely to attempt a trade back, but they may encounter difficulties in finding a suitable partner. In the end, we expect them to select an exceptional corner who complements their defensive approach.
Pick No. 18: The Chargers Trade up and Select Colston Loveland, Tight End, Michigan
Chargers Receive: Picks no. 18 and 92
Seahawks Receive: Picks no. 22 and 55
We finally have our first trade of the night, with the Chargers moving up to the 18th pick. Seattle feels like a highly likely candidate to slide back a few spots, as the guys that they seem like they would target should be available later on in the first round. This trade allows them to turn one of their third-round picks into a second.
For the Chargers, Loveland seems like he has to be their top target. The Harbaugh connection aside, you can’t run a Greg Roman offense with Will Dissly as your best tight end. With Tyler Warren already coming off the board, Loveland is their only remaining option. If he does make it this far and the Chargers want him, they may decide not to risk him getting snapped up by the Buccaneers or Broncos. For a team that doesn’t have many pressing needs, trading a second for a third is not a significant sacrifice.
Pick No. 20: The Broncos Select Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
If he is still on the board, expect the Broncos to run the card in for Egbuka. He seems like a perfect fit for Denver’s offense. Sean Payton has likely watched the tape and gotten major Michael Thomas vibes. This selection also provides quarterback Bo Nix with significant security as he embarks on his sophomore season.
The Broncos could be a candidate for Loveland here as well. However, there is a high chance that he does not make it that far. Trading up does not seem like their main objective either. Taking Egbuka here is a logical choice.
Pick No. 24: The Chiefs Trade up to Select Donovan Jackson, Offensive Lineman, Ohio State
Chiefs Receive: Picks no. 24 and 97
Vikings Receive: Picks no. 31 and 63
The Chiefs are a major candidate to move up. They desperately need offensive line help and are positioned behind several other teams with the same need. Trading up allows them to sneak in front of the Houston Texans, in particular, who will almost certainly draft an offensive lineman. For the Vikings, trading back allows them to turn one of their third-round picks into a second.
Jackson gives the Chiefs a quality offensive lineman that can not only play right away but also play multiple positions. Jackson can compete at left tackle, slot in on the right, or play either guard spot. His versatility will be much needed for Kansas City to get more balanced on offense. That is something they must do if they want to win the AFC for the fourth consecutive season.
Full First Round Mock Results
*Top Photo: Getty Images