The 2025 NFL Draft has now come and gone. Thanks to two trade-backs that brought in additional draft picks, the Las Vegas Raiders were able to make several selections throughout the weekend.
Let’s take a look at each one while giving each a grade.
Grading Every Las Vegas Raiders Draft Pick In 2025 NFL Draft
Rounds 1-2
Round 1, Pick 6: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State / A+
Most Raiders fans let out a collective sigh of relief when Jeanty was announced as Las Vegas’ first-round pick.
No matter how you feel about Jeanty, the 21-year-old runner was clearly the best player on the board as the Raiders went on the clock. They didn’t mess it up, either, selecting the generational prospect who fills what was one of their weakest positions on the roster at the time. The Raiders’ offense immediately improves substantially, and there are no complaints here.
Round 2, Pick 58: Jack Bech, WR, TCU / B+
There were some other talented receivers on the board at this pick, but the Raiders felt confident in Bech, and selected the TCU receiver after trading back a couple of times. Las Vegas moved back twice, grabbing some extra third- and fourth-rounders in the process. They add to a position that desperately needed help. An offensive attack featuring Bech, Jakobi Meyers, Brock Bowers, Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty feels promising.
Rounds 3-5
Round 3, Pick 68: Darrien Porter, CB, Iowa State / B
My main issue with Porter is the fact that he’ll be 24 years of age during his rookie season and is still a bit raw–especially in zone-coverage. With that said, he is new to the position, converting from wide receiver in 2022. Some view his rawness as a fault despite his age, and others look at it as a sign that he’s already putting things together just two years after changing positions.
I would have liked Porter maybe a little bit later, but all things considered, I like the selection. The Raiders needed to add to their CB room, and Porter is an incredible athlete. If he can continue to adjust to his new position, this could be an excellent pick.
Round 3, Pick 98: Caleb Rogers, OL, Texas Tech / B-
Caleb Rodgers is not a bad prospect by any means. The main reason I have him as a low-B is because of his lack of athleticism. That hurts him in pass protection, and the fact that it did in college worries me as he’ll be going against much more athletic pass-rushers in the NFL.
With that said, I can understand the pick, and I do think Rodgers fits excellently in Chip Kelly’s offense. While he’s not the most athletic, he is quick enough to be useful as a puller, and can also help in wide zone runs which Kelly frequents. Adding more OL depth with an extra third-round pick is never a bad idea
Round 3, Pick 99, Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary / A
I really like the upside Grant brings, which is why I have his selection graded higher than the offensive lineman added just one pick before him. Like Rodgers, I can understand the direction the Raiders were going with this pick. He’s quick off the ball, and excels in a zone scheme similar to that of what Kelly runs.
His ceiling is even higher in pass protection, thanks to his quick feet and hips. Grant should become a good tackle in the NFL. I do like that the Raiders went back-to- back at offensive line here after not addressing the unit with their first three picks.
Round 4, Pick 108: Dont’e Thornton Jr, WR, Tennessee / B+
This is an Al Davis pick if I’ve ever seen one. Thornton’s game revolves around his speed, which is truly something he’s elite in. He tracks the ball well, and his large frame allows him to make contested catches if needed. His route tree needs some work, but there’s enough here for me to justify using a fourth-round pick on Thornton.
Round 4, Pick 135: Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina / A-
‘Tonka’ is such a good name for a defensive tackle, but that’s far from the only thing he brings to the table. Hemingway is quick and athletic, especially moving side-to-side. He doesn’t have the play strength to be a consistent run-stopper on the inside, but he is a great rotational piece. If he can get a little stronger, this could be a home-run selection in the fourth round.
Las Vegas Raiders 2025 NFL Draft grades: Rounds 6-7
Round 6, Pick 180: J.J. Pegues, DL, Ole Miss / B
This is another selection that’s hard to be upset with. Coming into the draft, a lot of people expected Pegues to go off the board a bit higher than the sixth round. With him still on the board, I can certainly understand why the Raiders took him. I don’t think the defensive line was the biggest need, which is why this pick isn’t given an A. However, Pegues was good against both the run and pass at Ole Miss. It never hurts to find a guy who can do both towards the end of the draft.
Round 6, Pick 213: Tommy Mellott, QB/WR, Montana State / D
This is where the draft class starts to go off the rails for me. I just don’t really understand what the Raiders are doing here.
Mellott’s arm isn’t good enough for him to become anything close to a full-time starter in the NFL. He’s very athletic and brings impressive speed to the offense, but where does he fit? Mellott is the perfect player to dominate at the FCS level. In the NFL, especially in the Raiders’ offense, the fit is questionable.
The Montana State star will be transitioning to wide receiver while getting involved with special teams in the meantime. Spytek has since made comments about the thought of using Mellott everywhere and anywhere, similar to his now-old divisional nemesis Taysom Hill.
Hopefully we can look back on this grade and I’ll be wrong, but I’m not confident.
Round 6, Pick 215: Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State / D+
I don’t hate that the Raiders wanted to take a QB in the draft. And just two picks after Mellott, they took another top FCS QB in Cam Miller.
Again, this is just a move I don’t really understand. Miller is a smart quarterback who takes what the defense gives him, and doesn’t put the ball in harm’s way often. However, there isn’t a ton of arm talent, and his ceiling isn’t going to raise much. Maybe he’s drafted simply to be a depth option, but at that point, even though I’m not the biggest Quinn Ewers fan, a guy like him, who’s succeeded in a game-manager role at a much higher level, makes more sense.
Round 7, Pick 222: Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota / B
Death, taxes, and the Raiders waiting until the end of the draft to finally take a linebacker. They did just that with Lindenberg here in the seventh round. At least they took one. Lindenberg tackles well and has solid athleticism for the position, so this selection makes more sense.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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