Raiders Head Coach, Pete Carroll, expresses optimism about the team's new youthful direction, believing it could steer the Raiders towards success.
The Las Vegas Raiders, fresh off a 4-13 season and seeking a return to playoff glory since their 2002 victory, are undergoing a significant transformation under the guidance of head coach Pete Carroll. Known for his knack in developing young talent and instilling team principles, Carroll is bringing his unique coaching style to the Raiders' rookies in 2025.
Carroll, who has a strong history of success at both USC and the Seattle Seahawks, is emphasizing aggressive, fast, and fundamental football with the Raiders. His philosophy, which has proven effective in turning struggling programs into national contenders, is shaping the mindset and preparation of the Raiders' young players.
In line with his prior teams' identities, Carroll is focusing on aggressive linebacker play and a strong run game for the Raiders. Seven rookies, including Ashton Jeanty, Dont'e Thornton, and Darien Porter, are on the two-deep depth chart, with Jeanty, the sixth overall draft pick, expected to be a major focus of the Raiders' offense.
Jeanty, Thornton, and Jonah Laulu, who was initially not expected but is listed on the first team as the defensive tackle, are all rookies on the two-deep depth chart. Laulu has secured a spot in the cornerbacks room, which has more questions than answers, filling the spot previously held by Christian Wilkins who was released by the Raiders over a dispute about his recovery plan for a broken foot.
Carroll has also prioritized the development of foundational skills and a fast, aggressive play style. His approach is evident in the Raiders' moves, such as trading for veteran quarterback Geno Smith and the drafting of three rookies in the first four rounds of this year's draft.
Notable second-year players, such as Dont'e Porter in the cornerbacks room, are also on the depth chart. Despite the questions surrounding the team, Carroll has made it clear that rookies will get the opportunity to play.
However, there hasn't been an announcement on whether Geno Smith and Maxx Crosby will be fined for making obscene gestures to Seahawks fans before their game. Adam Butler, who returned to practice after tending to a family matter, and Alex Cappa, who remains out with a rib injury, are other key players to watch.
Carroll's experience in nurturing young talent through patience and clear principles is seen as a hopeful foundation for improving the Raiders' youth movement. The aim is to replicate the progress he made at USC and Seattle, with expectations that this will lead to sustained team improvement. Under Carroll's leadership, the Raiders are poised for an exciting new chapter in their journey towards playoff contention.
[1] USC Trojans Football [2] Las Vegas Raiders [3] Pete Carroll [4] 2025 NFL Draft [5] Seattle Seahawks
- The 2025 NFL Draft saw the Las Vegas Raiders, under the guidance of Pete Carroll, draft three rookies in the first four rounds, as part of Carroll's approach to develop foundational skills and a fast, aggressive play style.
- Ashton Jeanty, the sixth overall draft pick, is a rookie on the two-deep depth chart for the Raiders and is expected to be a major focus of their offense.
- Despite his strong history of success at USC and the Seattle Seahawks, questions remain about Carroll's ability to turn around the struggling Raiders, especially as he continues to focus on developing young talent, such as Dont'e Porter and Jonah Laulu.
