As Pete Carroll settles into his new role as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, the franchise has a major decision to make at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Carroll, 73, took the 2024 season off after parting ways with the Seattle Seahawks, who he helped make two Super Bowl appearances with one Super Bowl title (2013) in 14 seasons.
The longtime head coach will certainly have some sway as the Raiders evaluate their options with the No. 6 overall pick. As will new general manger John Spytek, who was hired on Friday to right the ship under owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady.
Despite the need at quarterback, CBS Sports' latest mock draft from Josh Edwards projects Las Vegas to add an elite pass rusher to play opposite of All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Edwards projects the Raiders to take Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter with the sixth overall pick.
"Las Vegas is not going to fix its offensive woes at No. 6 overall, so there is no need to force a selection," Edwards wrote. "Instead, the Raiders address the defensive side of the ball by plugging Abdul Carter in opposite Maxx Crosby."
Carter (6-foot-3, 252 pounds) fits the mold of a reliable pass rusher that could quickly rise to stardom at the next level. He put together a career year for the Nittany Lions in 2024, leading the country in tackles for loss (23.5) with 12.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and four pass breakups.
The unanimous All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year ends his collegiate career with 172 total tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 23.0 sacks, an interception, 13 pass breakups and five forced fumbles in 42 games.
Adding a talent like Carter could make the Raiders one of the most formidable pass rushing teams in the NFL with Crosby on the other side. The former fourth-round pick has already racked up two All-Pro nods and four Pro Bowl appearances in six seasons.
But there is a chance that Carter could be already gone when the Raiders are on the clock, as a good performance at the combine (Feb. 27-March 2) could propel Carter's stock.
The 2025 NFL Draft is slated for April 24-26 from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
