Strengthening the Roster Post-2025 NFL Draft: Key Moves for the Raiders

Let the Raiders' Offseason Reboot Continue!

The Las Vegas Raiders have been on a roll during the 2025 NFL offseason, and they ain't slowing down! After snagging Pete Carroll as their new head coach, trading for QB Geno Smith, and acquiring potential superstar running back Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders are ripe for a comeback. But the job ain't done yet.

In addition to the major moves, the Raiders added some fresh faces in the draft, with WR Jack Bech being a standout pick. Bech, a draft crush of mine, fills a massive need for the Raiders and could start alongside Jakobi Meyers, offering another weapon for Geno Smith's offense.

CB Darien Porter's rookie season might come early, given the thin depth chart at cornerback.

Still, there's plenty more work to be done. The Raiders, like a peg-legged pirate with a treasure map, are on the hunt for more booty – er, veterans who can step up and contribute for one season.

But who to invite aboard the Silver and Black ship? Let's take a gander at three moves the Raiders need to make post-draft.

Recruit a Seasoned Wideout to Round Out the Starters

The wide receiver corps is still a glaring issue for the Raiders, even with Davante Adams in the fold. A bit more depth wouldn't hurt.

Initially, I would've paired the Raiders with the lightning-fast Tyler Lockett. But alas, he signed a one-year contract with the Titans instead of sailing with his old coach in Las Vegas. Peculiar, ain't it?

We've got other fish in the sea, though.

The man at the top of the list is a familiar face for Raiders fans: veteran WR Amari Cooper. Currently a free agent after the Bills traded for him at the trade deadline, Cooper's contract expired, and Buffalo decided not to re-sign him.

Cooper was the Raiders' first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He played four seasons in Las Vegas before moving on to the Cowboys for a first-round pick. Cooper may not be the dominant WR1 he once was, but he still packs a punch and could play a vital role for the Raiders.

Another solid option is Keenan Allen. Allen is adaptable, able to play anywhere on the field but shining brightest when operating out of the slot. Schematically, Allen and Jack Bech have some overlap, but Allen's prowess is too tempting to resist. Allen could also act as a mentor for Bech during his rookie year.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders didn't continue their receiver shopping spree before training camp.

One More Running Back to Support Ashton Jeanty?

Jeanty is the Raiders' clear-cut starting running back. Pairing him with Raheem Mostert, Sincere McCormick, and Zamir White seems more than sufficient for the 2025 season.

But what about insurance?

Nick Chubb, a veteran Browns running back, would make for an interesting addition. Chubb sustained a freak knee injury during the 2023 season, putting his career on uncertain ground. He played some snaps in 2024 but ultimately went down with another injury.

When healthy, Chubb is an elite runner. If he manages to recover and sign a contract this summer, the Raiders could reel him in as a valuable backup for Jeanty.

Mentor for Darien Porter at Cornerback

WR and cornerback are long-term needs for the Raiders, but thanks to Jack Bech and Darien Porter, they've got a solid foundation for the future. Building up the rest of the roster is still a priority, though.

Adding a veteran cornerback to mentor Porter throughout the season is a smart move. We might as well think of this experienced player as part coach and part fill-in.

Stephon Gilmore seems like an obvious choice for this role. He's continued to prove his worth, bouncing from team to team after leaving the Patriots in 2020. Gilmore would be the perfect mentor for Porter, but it remains to be seen if he'd find Las Vegas enticing.

Another option could be Rasul Douglas. He's displayed impressive play for both Buffalo and Green Bay, yet remains unsigned. Douglas excels in zone coverage, a strategy the Raiders may employ under Carroll.

Gilmore should be the number one target, while Douglas is a solid backup plan.

Just like with receivers, I'd be shocked if the Raiders didn't add a cornerback to their ranks before training camp.

Probably, the Raiders will consider addressing their wide receiver depth further by recruiting a seasoned veteran, such as Amari Cooper or Keenan Allen, to round out their starters.
With Ashton Jeanty as their clear-cut starting running back, the Raiders might look into acquiring Nick Chubb as a potential backup, especially if he recovers from his injuries and becomes available.
To help develop Darien Porter at cornerback, the Raiders are likely to seek out a veteran player to serve both as a mentor and a fill-in, with options like Stephon Gilmore or Rasul Douglas being considered.
The Raiders' offseason reboot is expected to continue as they target veterans for one-year contracts to contribute in various positions, just like a pirate with a treasure map would hunt for valuable booty.
In the 2025 NFL season, the Raiders' roster could see an upgrade with stars like Jakobi Meyers and Jakob Bech at wide receiver, Ashton Jeanty at running back, and a well-mentored Darien Porter and potentially Nick Chubb on defense.