Las Vegas Raiders 2025 NFL Draft: 3 rookies set to make an immediate impact Year 1

The Las Vegas Raiders finished last in the AFC West in 2024 which landed them the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.  That high pick along with the hiring of Pete Carroll as head coach and the trade that brough Geno Smith to Vegas as the team’s starting quarterback has sparked a level of excitement in Raiders Nation.

While that excitement is more about what a coach with the success of Carroll brings to the team, the Raiders did show some spark to end the season.  Most of that spark came offensively as their 2024 NFL Draft first round pick Brock Bowers broke out in his rookie season as already one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

Riding the momentum of an active offseason, the Raiders entered the draft looking to get more explosive offensively and add depth in key areas on defense.

Las Vegas Raiders address top needs:

It helped that the Raiders didn’t need to use the No. 6 overall pick on a quarterback, especially in a draft that wasn’t deep in QB talent.  Instead, the Raiders were able to take the best player available at No. 6.  In selecting the 2024 Heisman runner up Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders added another dynamic playmaker on offense.  They also used their second-round pick on a receiver while adding depth along the offensive and defensive lines.  They also took a couple of quarterbacks late in the draft.  In all, an interesting draft for the Raiders that features some rookies with an opportunity to make a huge impact Year 1.

Here are 3 rookies to watch for the Las Vegas Raiders:

Round 1, Pick No. 6 – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

The top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft will make the Las Vegas Raiders a team to gamble on in the AFC West.  After trading for Smith, the team secured their quarterback needs which freed them up to take one of the most dynamic running backs to enter the NFL in Ashton Jeanty.

As the nation’s top running back in 2024, the former Boise State star lit up opposing defenses with over 2,600 rushing yards.  Will he light up NFL defenses in his rookie season?  Well, the writing is on the wall as Jeanty will slide into the team’s RB1 role immediately and may even be the team’s No. 2 offensive weapons behind last year stud rookie Brock Bowers.  With his ability to break tackles (and ankles) with his combination of power, speed and agility, Jeanty will not only help carry the offense, but he will also be a check down option for Smith in the Raiders’ offense. 

With the re-emergence of the running back position in the NFL, watch for Jeanty to shine right away Year 1 and make the Raiders a threat in the AFC West.

Round 2, Pick No. 58 – Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Already labeled as the team’s best wide receiver option, the selection of Jack Beck with the No. 58 overall pick is another gamble the Raiders should benefit from.  Following a breakout season in his final season at TCU, Bech emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the Big 12 with 1,034 receiving yards.  He’ll ride that momentum into his rookie season and fill the Raiders need for an outside receiver in the upcoming 2025 NFL season.

What makes Bech a great pick for the Raiders is his ability to play inside and outside as a possession type receiver.  Playing behind both Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, Bech will have a chance to gain targets and play a big role in the Raiders’ offense, especially with Bowers emerging as the team’s top option offensively.  With Jeanty in the mix, the Raiders’ offense will have a more dynamic look, especially if a talent like Bech emerges as perhaps the third best playmaker.

Round 4, Pick No. 135– Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina

Christian Wilkins health concerns could open the door for a rookie like Tonka Hemingway to gain more snaps along the Raiders defensive line.  With a name you must love, Hemingway also has a combination of size and versatility the Raiders will love even more.

As a player with a high motor and a high football IQ, Hemingway will have a chance to earn his shot during training camp especially with his ability to rush the passer.  With the availability of Wilkins uncertain, the Raiders will need a young player to emerge, and Hemingway will at least add depth if not step in and play a bigger role as a fourth-round pick.  Most certainly a rookie Raiders fans should be watching once training camp gets underway.