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NFL, American Football Herren, USA Las Vegas Raiders at Seattle Seahawks Aug 7, 2025 Seattle, Washington, USA Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith 7 after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStevenxBisigx 20250807_SMB_ab9_25

Imago
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Las Vegas Raiders at Seattle Seahawks Aug 7, 2025 Seattle, Washington, USA Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith 7 after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStevenxBisigx 20250807_SMB_ab9_25
Essentials Inside The Story
- Las Vegas' collapse has pushed Pete Carroll under the spotlight, with roster holes exposing years of draft damage
- A looming quarterback decision headlines the Raiders' future
- The draft path hints at a calculated reset, adding firepower on offense and bite on defense
The Las Vegas Raiders are in shambles, and the future of first-year head coach Pete Carroll has justifiably been called into question. Years of horrendous drafting under Jon Gruden and questionable selections by his successor, Josh McDaniels, have led to the present-day disaster.
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So, what are the immediate needs for the team, and are there any suitable prospects for the Raiders in the upcoming NFL Draft? Let’s try to find the answers below:
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Needs:
1) Quarterback: You can’t blame the team for trading for Geno Smith in the offseason, but the 13-year veteran is not the long-term answer.

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November 30, 2025, Los Angeles, California, USA: Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith 7 warms up before an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday Nov. 30, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. Los Angeles USA – ZUMAc68_ 20251130_zaf_c68_102 Copyright: xRingoxChiux
2) Receiver: The Raiders traded Jakobi Meyers to the Jaguars before the deadline, as the veteran wanted out of Vegas. There is no true No. 1 wideout on the roster.
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3) Defense: All three levels of the team’s defense need major pieces, including another edge rusher and a top cornerback.
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Mock Draft:
ROUND 1: Fernando Mendoza/QB/Indiana
This pick would be good for the team and the player. Mendoza could develop into the face of the franchise on and off the field.

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NCAA, College League, USA Football: Heisman Trophy Presentation Dec 13, 2025 New York, NY, USA Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza poses for photos with the Heisman trophy during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the award. New York Jazz at Lincoln CenterÕs Appel Room NY USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBradxPennerx 20251213_bjp_ae5_038
And the quarterback may not be required to step on the field immediately, as, besides being under contract, Geno Smith has shown a willingness to help mentor young quarterbacks in the past and be a team player.
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ROUND 2: Denzel Boston/WR/Washington
I had the Raiders taking Kenyatta Jackson Jr. at the top of Round 2 in a recent mock draft, yet the need at receiver is desperate. Boston would take the pressure off Brock Bowers and offer whoever is behind center a dependable pass-catching threat.
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ROUND 3: Zion Young/DE/Missouri
Young could end up in the late part of Round 2, yet if he slides into the third frame, he’s a developed pass rusher who is a perfect fit for the Raiders’ scheme.

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NCAA, College League, USA Football: SEC Media Day Jul 17, 2025 Atlanta, GA, USA Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young talks to the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Atlanta Omni Atlanta Hotel GA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJordanxGodfreex 20250717_jhp_th5_0212
The Raiders don’t need a quick fix; they need a reset. This draft could decide whether Pete Carroll gets the time to rebuild or becomes another short chapter in Vegas.
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