We’re one week away from an early Christmas present with the 2025 NFL Draft, which will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin. NFL fans from all over the world will reunite at Lambeau Field to see the upcoming talents that will be drafted by their favorite teams. We’ve been waiting for days, weeks, months, and it’s so close I can almost taste it (Patrick licking that one yellow popsicle).
And guess what?! I’ve got a fever! And the only prescription is more NFL Mock Drafts! Which is why I will automedicate myself into making my Ríos Mock Draft 1.0. This is what I would love/want for the Las Vegas Raiders to draft a week from now. Let’s also remember that the Las Vegas Raiders currently have 9 picks for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Seven of them being their original while also having two more compensatory picks. Those two extra picks combine from a formula of losing free agents, OL Jermaine Eleumenor, TE Austin Hooper, RB Josh Jacobs, DL Bilal Nichols and DB Amik Robertson and signing free agents TE Harrison Bryant, QB Gardner Minshew and DL Christian Wilkins.
Those 9 selection are 1-6, 2-37, 3-68, 4-108, 5-143, 6-180, 6-213 (Compensatory), 6-215 (Compensatory) and 7-222. These are how they currently stand, barring any sort of possible trades they might pull in the next upcoming days leading towards or during the 2025 NFL Draft. And now, with never further ado, it’s time to play the game (cue Triple H´s Theme Song).
With the 6th pick, in the 2025 NFL Draft, The Las Vegas Raiders select… ASHTON JEANTY! Running Back, Boise State!
Last year, the Raiders ran the ball 380 times for a total of 1,357 yards and 10 TDs. All these 3 categories rank in the bottom 5. Adding the elusive and speedy Jeanty will bring a much-needed boost to this offense. And let’s not forget that it’s no secret that Head Coach Pete Carroll and Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly love moving the rock.
With the 37th pick, in the 2025 NFL Draft, The Las Vegas Raiders select… JAYDEN HIGGINS! Wide Receiver, Iowa State!
The 50/50 jump balls are like child’s play for him, and we know how much QB Geno Smith loves throwing down the field. He’s the fourth-tallest Wide Receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft and can be a plug and solve for an X-Type WR. Due to his height, he can become a mismatch in the redzone and defenses will have a lot of trouble trying to cover him and TEs Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.
With the 68th pick, in the 2025 NFL Draft, The Las Vegas Raiders select… DARIEN PORTER! Cornerback, Iowa State!
The most Pete Carroll type of Cornerback that hasn’t played for him… yet. He’s the second-tallest CB, standing at 6´ 3″ and has the longest arms at 33´ 1/8″. By the way, did you guys knew he’s fast? He ran a 4.30 and has the athleticism to become a very intriguing press corner at the next level. He can also contribute in special teams, having a total of four blocked punts in college.
With the 108th pick, in the 2025 NFL Draft, The Las Vegas Raiders select… BARRET CARTER! Linebacker, Clemson!
After the departures of Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, the Raiders went on and signed free agents Elandon Roberts and Devin White on cheaper deals. Linebacker’s a very thin position for the Raiders, and they need to address it during the draft and free agency. Carter could become a three down linebacker with a proper process of development.
With the 143rd pick, in the 2025 NFL Draft, The Las Vegas Raiders select… WILL HOWARD! Quarterback, Ohio State!
The Raiders draft one of Chip Kelly’s guys that could become a very intriguing developmental prospect. Towering at 6´ 4″, has five years of experience at college and can be a dual threat quarterback. Last season, he had an average of 73% of completed passes and was named the Offensive MVP in the National College Title when Ohio State beat Notre Dame with a 34-23 score.
With the 180th pick, in the 2025 NFL Draft, The Las Vegas Raiders select… R.J. MICKENS! Safety, Clemson!
He’s the son of former cornerback Mike Mickens, and you can see that on the field. R.J. has great range when facing the opposing offensive player and tackles with a hammer. He has played both safety positions and can add depth to a very thin safety room that saw the departures of FS Tre´von Moehrig and SS Marcus Epps.
With the 213th pick, in the 2025 NFL Draft, The Las Vegas Raiders select… JACKSON SLATER! Guard, Sacramento State!
He’s a towering man, standing at 6´ 4″ and has a ton of experience at Left Tackle, Left Guard and Center. Played 4 years of college football, with a total of 44 starts during that time, and allowed only 2 sacks in the past 3 years. Experience is the key when talking about him, and was also an FCS All-American in 2024.
With the 215th pick, in the 2025 NFL Draft, The Las Vegas Raiders select… VERNON BROUGHTON! Defensive Tackle, Texas!
Let’s add to one of the biggest strengths this team has, its defensive line. He’s 6´ 5″ and has a quick release when rushing through the interior while also having the ability of stopping the run. Broughton could become a great rotational piece to current starting Defensive Tackles of Adam Butler and Christian Wilkins.
With the 222nd pick, in the 2025 NFL Draft, The Las Vegas Raiders select… FADIL DIGGS! Edge, Syracuse!
He possesses the prototypical size and length an NFL Defensive Lineman should have at 6´ 4″. Diggs has a quick strike when battling the hands and arms of Offensive Tackles and would be a much-needed depth piece at the EDGE position. Played his best football this past college football season by having 7.5 sacks in 12 games and can rush the Quarterback in a 3-4 and 4-3 type of defense.
And there you have it, Raider Nation. My 1.0 Mock Draft. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section down below.
