Mock draft season!
We have a new head coach in place. We have identified key free agents to pursue.
Now, it is time to draft.
One good draft can set up a franchise for long-term success by providing key building blocks for the team.
The Rules
- Three round mock-draft
- No trades
- Using PFF mock draft simulator for the selections
You are on the Clock – Round 1, Pick 1
With the first overall pick and a roster needing upgrades, this is a critical pick for the upcoming years.
Given the uncertainty over some of the players in this year’s draft, I would suggest trading back.
This would give the Las Vegas Raiders a haul of picks to help move and manipulate the draft board or bring in talented veterans.
Given my own rules, and the need for competent quarterback play that is not happening.
With the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders select…
Cam Ward. Quarterback, Miami.
This may seem controversial as public opinion is trending towards Shedeur Sanders being the pick.
Watching Cam Ward, I see a quarterback who plays bigger and stronger than his 6”2, 223lbs frame.
He has a big arm, is a threat in run game, has excellent play-making and excellent upside.
Additionally, I do not want the Las Vegas Raiders becoming the Shedeur and Deion Sanders show with the drama and headlines that will naturally follow.
With all of this, Ward should be the pick come April.
Time for reinforcements
The second pick was one that I had several considerations for.
Ultimately it was down to two options. Go for more weapons to support our new quarterback or a lineman to keep him upright.
Between Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, Sincere McCormack and ‘newly acquired Tee Higgins’ – see part two – we have a good core of talent to support our quarterback.
With our second pick, we are going with offensive line flexibility with Grey Zabel.
A tackle from North Dakota State with experience across the line and can provide competition for a starting spot come training camp.
Round Three
With everyone round, the likelihood of finding a starting caliber player drops, so here is where the selections become more of a dart-throw.
With the Raiders having two picks in this round, we are going to be looking for upside.
At Pick 65, we are staying on the offensive and going with an upgrade to the running-game – Cam Skattebo.
An incredible weapon for Arizona state this past year and someone to pair with McCormack to keep opposing defences on the field.
And with Pick 72 we are finally going with defense and cornerback Azareye’h Thomas. A rangy press-man corner for support on the outside.
Premium Pieces
The main focus of this draft is always going to be the quarterback.
With Ward in place and foundational pieces at premium positions, hopefully this is a franchise resetting draft that sets up long-term success.
