Raiders' Draft picks

It’s a new regime in Las Vegas as Raiders GM John Spytek and Raiders HC Pete Carroll try to right the ship and put the Raiders back to relevance. Raiders have already had a great off-season acquiring QB Geno Smith via trade from the Seahawks and giving franchise player Maxx Crosby an extension. However, perhaps their finest work is what they did in this past week's draft.

Round 1, No. 6: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Ashton Jeanty is really HIM. Besides his record-breaking Heisman runner up year in college last year Jeanty forced 126 missed tackles, the most in FBS, while his 1,733 yards after contact were 590 more than any other FBS player in 2024. Coach Carroll made it clear that he wants a run-heavy offense. The addition of Jeanty fits Carroll's expectations of being competitive right away. At the same time, Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers are solid foundational players to build on for the future.

Round 2, No. 58 (via Houston): Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Bech's story was well documented, losing his brother Tiger in the tragedy on Bourbon Street. Bech the football player had a breakout performance in 2024, becoming just the fifth player in TCU history to record a 1,000-yard receiving season. Bech, a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, finished sixth in the Big 12 in receiving yards with 1,034 yards. Bech will be penciled in next to Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. Bech can play inside and out, and has solid ball skills that gives him a chance to have a meaningful role on offense as a rookie.

Round 3, No. 68: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

This pick has Pete Carroll influence written all over it. Sixth-year senior with elite traits and special teams' talent but only one year of starting experience at cornerback. Porter’s rep total is heavy on zone coverages, but he has the athleticism, burst and speed to handle more man coverage. He has the size and physical traits that Carroll looks for in a cornerback. He is 6-4 and weighs 200 pounds and ran 4.3 at the combine. 

Round 3, No. 98 (via Miami): Caleb Rogers, G, Texas Tech

No one has drafted more linemen than Raiders GM John Spytek over the years. The Raiders addressed that position with back-to-back picks to close out the third round. Rogers started in 55 consecutive games for the Red Raiders, playing primarily at offensive tackle. Carroll said Friday that he expects Rogers to play at guard in the NFL. 

Round 3, No. 99 (via Houston): Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary

Just like Rogers, Grant will add depth to the Raiders' offensive line. Coming from an FCS school, there will be a learning curve for Grant, but Spytek believes the 6-foot-5 lineman is a perfect fit for the Raiders' scheme. He can play right or left tackle

Round 4, No. 108: Dont'e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee

Another Pete Carroll measurables pick standing at 6’5 running a 4.3 Thornton totaled a career-best 661 yards in 2024, has big play potential. He led the nation in average yards per catch (25.4) and catches for 50-plus yards (six).

Round 4, No. 135: Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina

Provides depth up front. In five seasons at South Carolina, Hemingway showed an ability to rush the quarterback. He totaled 9.5 sacks in his last three years, including four in 2024.

Round 6, No. 180: JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss

He was named third-team All-SEC in 2024 after totaling 14.5 tackles for loss and 15 run stops. He also lined up as a fullback in goal line and short yardage situations. Pegues recorded seven rushing touchdowns -- second-most on the team and the most in a season by an FBS defensive lineman over the last 25 years

Round 6, No. 213 overall: Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State

This was a Tom Brady pick. Mellot is expected to be a wide receiver at the next level after playing quarterback in college. Mellot reminds Brady of his former teammate Julian Edleman.  He finished his career at Montana State with 3,523 rushing yards and 5,810 passing yards. Mellot participated in wide receiver and punt return drills at his pro day.

Round 6, No. 215 overall: Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State

As a starter for the Bisons, Miller had a 45-11 record and won two NCAA Division I FCS championships. Miller was 2024 Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Year after he threw for 3,251 yards, 33 touchdowns and four picks. He will compete with Aidan O'Connell and Carter Bradley at backup quarterback.

Round 7, No. 222: Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota

Lindenberg can serve as a backup with the possibility of being a valuable special teamer. In 2024, he totaled 94 tackles and six passes defended.

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