Articles by Adam Hill

JJ Pegues took the shotgun snap against South Carolina and ran right, bowling over an overmatched would-be tackler before twisting back to the left and crashing over the goal line for a first-quarter touchdown last season.
He wasn’t done.
Pegues took another shotgun snap just before halftime and jabbed right before running a counter to the left and coasting in for another short score, one of seven he cashed in last season for Ole Miss.
He showcased the combination of power and quickness that played a big part in the Raiders taking a chance on him with a sixth-round pick Saturday.
Except Pegues isn’t a quarterback. He’s not a running back, either. He doesn’t even really play offense.
Pegues is actually a defensive tackle who proved so valuable as a weapon in Lane Kiffin’s offense for the Rebels that he couldn’t be taken off the field in short-yardage situations, even if that meant sending first-round pick quarterback Jaxson Dart to the sideline.
Offense fuels defense
It was an idea that started when Pegues transferred back to his hometown college at Ole Miss after spending his first two seasons at Auburn. That’s where Kiffin had taken over as coach and remembered recruiting Pegues as a high school tight end when he was an Alabama assistant.
Wanting to take advantage of that athleticism, Kiffin gave Pegues a chance to run a play out of the wildcat formation at practice.
The 310-pound Pegues remembers busting off a 20-yard run and immediately knowing he had a new role.
“Coach Kiffin is a great offensive mind, and he loves to win and he loves to take advantage of anything he can,” Pegues said after he was selected by the Raiders. “So, I give it all to him. Shoutout to him for just allowing me to show that side of what I can do and that ability.”
Pegues gained 17 first downs on 21 carries last season in addition to the seven TDs in an experience he believes also helped him hone his craft as a defensive lineman.
“It’s helped me with my conditioning and just me being in shape,” Pegues said. “And also being able to do different things like slant, redirect and make plays in the backfield just because of my quickness and me playing both sides of the ball.
“… I always played offense my whole life, and I feel like that’s a big reason why I am successful at playing D-line is because the way I can move, bend and things like that.”
That kind of versatility was one of the factors the Raiders appeared to be weighing as the new administration put together its first draft class this week.
But it was clear it wasn’t the only thing new general manager John Spytek, new coach Pete Carroll and their staffs were looking for when trying to bolster the roster with 11 draft picks and a slew of undrafted free agents.
While there are exceptions here and there, the Raiders found guys who had some versatility, had elite measurables like size and/or straight-line speed or some other identifiable trait that can be utilized. There’s also a surprising number of guys who spent four, five or even six years in college.
“Those guys have a proven track record of production and winning,” director of college scouting Brandon Yeargan said.
Academic success, too
This is also a group that by and large excelled in the classroom. It stuck out how many of the prospect bios included mentions of academic honors during their time in college.
“I think it’s a testament to their dedication to what they’re doing as student-athletes and also to their capacity intellectually,” Yeargan said. “We prioritize football intelligence, and I think that’s a reflection of that. And a lot of credit to the guys who have graduated from college, too, seeing that all the way through for four years, three years, whatever that is. I think that’s a testament to their mental toughness to finish that with what they’ve got on their plate from a football standpoint.”
There’s no magic formula to how to select a team or even to predict exactly what each team is looking for at any particular time. There’s also no way of knowing if a draft class is successful or not for at least a few years.
But the appearance of a plan and the execution of one is encouraging. After going against perceived value by taking a first-round running back, Spytek showed discipline and savvy in making several trades to acquire more picks and bring in much-needed reinforcements to a roster badly in need of improvement — and did so at several positions.
It wasn’t as flashy as a 310-pound wildcat quarterback breaking tackles and juking defenders in the open field, but it was prudent and responsible.
That’s what the Raiders needed.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X. […]

A closer look at the 11 players the Raiders selected in the NFL draft:
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
■ Pick: First round (sixth overall)
■ Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
■ Size: 5 feet, 9 inches, 215 pounds
■ Role: He will be the featured back from day one. Jeanty still has work to do in the passing game and with ball security, but he was picked to take the field early and often.
■ Scouting report: “Jeanty is a total package backfield playmaker with impressive balance, footwork, vision, explosiveness and big-play ability — reminiscent of Alvin Kamara. He is a first-round offensive weapon who can succeed behind any blocking scheme.” — PFF draft preview
■ Quotable: “ I think the word is dynamic for us. He has the ability to do all of it. He can run with power. He can run in short-yardage areas and find the spacing that he needs to make the plays, and he’s got that marvelous ability, just on any play, he can score, and that’s just such an exciting aspect to add to our football team. We just feel very fortunate.” — Raiders coach Pete Carroll
■ Grade/analysis: B. Ordinarily, a first-round running back would earn a much lower grade because of how much value a team sacrifices by addressing the position so early. But the top three defensive players were off the board, and the Raiders need to find a way to improve their running game.
Jack Bech, WR, Texas Christian
■ Pick: Second round (58th overall)
■ Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana
■ Size: 6 feet, 1 inch, 214 pounds
■ Role: There should be more than enough reps available at wide receiver for Bech, who will give the offense a physical presence at the position. He could prove to be a difference-maker immediately on third down with his ability to get to the sticks and use his body to seal off defenders to make the catch.
■ Scouting report: “He’s physical at the top of the route and has a rebounder’s feel for owning catch space once he gains top positioning. His hands are sticky and strong with elite catch focus from any spot on the field. He’s fearless and physical as a runner, but needs more nastiness as a run blocker. Bech’s lack of explosiveness could shrink his work space, but the focus should be on his pro-ready toughness and ball skills that make him a projectable possession target with WR3 upside.” — NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein
■ Quotable: “Whenever I get on that field, especially now after the passing of my brother, all my emotions I let out on the field. I’m not scared to go put my nose in there, go crack the safety, go crack the linebacker. I love doing those things. I love coming across the middle of the field, catching the rock, knowing I’m about to get hit. I think that’s where my dawg mentality comes into play.” — Bech
■ Grade/analysis: B+. Bech isn’t an explosive playmaker, but he should contribute early.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
■ Pick: Third round (68th overall)
■ Hometown: Bettendorf, Iowa
■ Size: 6 feet, 3 inches, 195 pounds
■ Role: He’s still developing his understanding of how to play cornerback, particularly in man coverage. But he should be one of the team’s core contributors immediately on special teams, and he has the elite physical traits to be a star on defense if the switch can flip for him.
■ Scouting report: “The ceiling here is a legitimate starting corner who can match up with the NFL’s new breed of supersized receivers. His combination of length, speed and ball skills is exactly what teams are looking for on the outside in today’s game. While age is a minor concern, Porter’s rapid development curve and elite athletic traits suggest he could develop into a quality starter by year two.” — NFLDraftBuzz.com scouting profile
■ Quotable: “He’s one of those, ‘I just want to be on the field wherever it is’ guys. He blocked five kicks, I think, if I’m right, and I know the special teams coaches are excited, too. They see him as being a good gunner. And I’ve already heard from (punter) AJ Cole, too, that he’s going to be a lot better this year because he’s got this guy. So, yeah, just guys that want to play football. Wherever it is, just put the ball down. I want to run down the field and hit somebody and block a kick. Speaks to the guy.” — Raiders general manager John Spytek
■ Grade/analysis: B. His lofty ceiling leaves the door open to far exceed expectations, and his special teams ability gives him a safe floor. He was worth the risk.
Caleb Rogers, OG, Texas Tech
■ Pick: Third round (98th overall)
■ Hometown: Mansfield, Texas
■ Size: 6 feet, 5 inches, 312 pounds
■ Role: He has been listed as a tackle and an interior lineman, but the Raiders expect to play him inside and compete for a spot on the depth chart as one of the rotational guards. Rogers is more steady than spectacular and could develop into a starter.
■ Scouting report: “The ceiling might not scream Pro Bowl potential, but Rogers brings immediate depth with starter upside by year two. His positional versatility creates roster flexibility, allowing teams to develop specialized talent while Rogers serves as the offensive line equivalent of a sixth man in basketball. ” — NFLDraftBuzz.com scouting profile
■ Quotable: “I love his energy. He’s a high-passion guy, he flies around the field, and anytime he got a chance to play football, he did … I’ve gotten really good in my career at kind of being able to guess the character of the player before we even read the profile based on the way they play. And he plays with that spirit.” — Raiders general manager John Spytek
■ Grade/Analysis: C+. He’s the kind of player and person organizations need in the locker room and should be a welcome addition, but it might have been a bit early.
Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
■ Pick: Third round (99th overall)
■ Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia
■ Size: 6 feet, 5 inches, 311 pounds
■ Role: He could push for playing time immediately at swing tackle or even more depending on how the Kolton Miller contract situation plays out.
■ Scouting report: “The development arc for Charles Grant projects as one of the more fascinating tackle storylines in this class. His wrestling-infused playing style, exceptional athletic traits and technical foundation provide NFL teams a moldable piece of clay with legitimate starting tackle upside. What he lacks in raw mass, he compensates for with functional movement and competitive edge that can’t be taught.” — NFLDraftBuzz.com scouting profile
■ Quotable: “A chance to add a good athlete and a good person. He can really move his feet and run into space. Chip (offensive coordinator Kelly) is super fired up about getting him in there. He fits the scheme great.” — Raiders general manager John Spytek
■ Grade/analysis: A. His film is dominant, and he has played at a consistently high level throughout his collegiate career. If he can handle the huge step-up in competition, he could provide great value.
Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee
■ Pick: Fourth round (108th overall)
■ Hometown: Baltimore
■ Size: 6 feet, 5 inches, 205 pounds
■ Role: It remains to be seen how often he will be on the field, but when he is, he will run a lot of vertical routes to force defenses to back off the line.
■ Scouting report: “Long, linear target whose primary function is to take the top off defenses. His route tree is limited, so two-high safety looks could park him in the garage. He’s average after the catch on short throws, but plays as big as he measures, winning contested catches on all three levels. Thornton is a low-volume target with erratic production, but teams looking for vertical juice should have him on their boards.” — NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein
■ Quotable: “We joked with Mark (owner Davis) that this was the Al Davis pick of this draft. The speed, raw traits, athleticism. I think it’s just focusing on what he can do and what he can be. We think he hasn’t hit his ceiling, and he can refine under our coaches.” —Raiders director of college scouting Brandon Yeargan
■ Grade/analysis: C. A deep threat is a good thing and was a needed addition for the Raiders and new quarterback Geno Smith, but his game might be limited.
Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina
■ Pick: Fourth round (135th overall)
■ Hometown: Conway, South Carolina
■ Size: 6 feet, 3 inches, 294 pounds
■ Role: He doesn’t have a true position, as he’s stuck in that gray area between defensive tackle and defensive end, but he’s versatile. He can generate a pass rush inside and has even dropped in coverage. He’s also good at deflecting passes at the line of scrimmage. At this point, he feels like a situational piece on passing downs.
■ Scouting report: “ His ability to penetrate and disrupt in the backfield will make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their interior pass rush. While he may not be an every-down player immediately, Hemingway’s versatility and high motor suggest he could carve out a significant role in the right system.” — NFLDraftBuzz scouting profile
■ Quotable: “It feels amazing (to join a line with Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins) and just knowing that I can learn from people like that. It just means a lot. And just being able to go see and learn how to practice, how to take care of your body and everything, it’ll be great to learn from them.” — Hemingway
■ Grade/analysis: B. His role could be a bit niche, but if he can generate pressure up the middle, he could prove beneficial for the Raiders.
JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
■ Pick: Sixth round (180th overall)
■ Hometown: Oxford, Mississippi
■ Size: 6 feet, 2 inches, 309 pounds
■ Role: At his best, he could see significant playing time, but it’s more likely he will get lost early in what is all of a sudden a crowded room. He could be a practice squad candidate.
■ Scouting report: “Pegues projects as a rotational talent at the NFL level. In a perfect storm of personnel moves around him, he could potentially be a starter, but he’ll be best optimized in a rotation that helps keep him fresh — as his combination of size and urgent play style will test his endurance. Pegues projects best to a penetration front as a B-gap defender.” — 33rd Team draft analysis
■ Quotable: “(Ole Miss) Coach (Lane) Kiffin is a very, very bright offensive mind, and he loves to win, and he loves to take advantage of anything. And he actually recruited me when he was at Alabama when I was a tight end in high school. And so he remembered what I could do, and he gave me an opportunity one day at practice to run a wildcat, and I got 20- something yards on it. And from there, he was like why not use you as a short-yardage package and just do what you usually do. So, I give it all to him. Shout out to him for just allowing me to show that side of what I can do and that ability.” — Pegues, on getting 21 carries and scoring seven touchdowns last season
■ Grade/Analysis: B. There is enough upside to make this a solid pick if he can eliminate some of the inconsistencies after not converting to the position until college. He also has an extensive history of playing fullback in short-yardage situations that could be an added value for a team without one on the roster.
Tommy Mellott, QB/WR, Montana State
■ Pick: Sixth round (213th overall)
■ Hometown: Butte, Montana
■ Size: 5 feet, 11 inches, 200 pounds
■ Role: He was a quarterback in college, but tested off the charts athletically at his pro day and generated buzz as a conversion candidate to wide receiver and special teamer. He might take time to develop, but there are plenty of ways to use him.
■ Scouting report: “I want to be president of the fan club. He is going to be a process as someone to develop as a receiver, but you can’t test better. When he ran 4.39 and jumped 41 inches on his pro day … he’s super explosive as a runner. He’s elusive, he’s competitive, he’s tough. I think his immediate impact might just be as a returner as you’re trying to buy some time for him to develop as a receiver project. Everything I’ve got on the background stuff as a kid is off the charts. Like great kid. They love him there. They won a lot of football games.” — NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah
■ Quotable: “I wouldn’t pigeon-hole him right now. I’d say we view him as a receiver with a lot of value in the kicking game. Maybe he plays some quarterback, too. We’re looking at him as an athlete slash receiver, but he’s so unique. His testing numbers were through the roof. He threw routes and ran routes at his pro day. We think he can do a variety of things.” — Raiders director of college scouting Brandon Yeargan
■ Grade/analysis: A. This is the area of the draft to take these shots. He could be a home run or a strikeout, but the ceiling is there.
Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
■ Pick: Sixth round (215th overall)
■ Hometown: Solon, Iowa
■ Size: 6 feet, 1 inches, 210 pounds
■ Role: He’s a long-term project who will have the chance to learn under Geno Smith.
■ Scouting report: “Miller is a four-year starter with average size and a history of winning games. He can read defenses, but isn’t going to wear them out with his decision-making. He lacks ideal anticipation and drive velocity into intermediate pockets of the defense and has instances on tape where he appears too hesitant to cut throws loose to open targets. Miller’s mobility works in his favor, but he fails to stand out enough to project NFL success.” — NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein
■ Quotable: “I just think coming from a pro-style offense at North Dakota State (has prepared me for Chip Kelly’s offense). I’m accustomed to playing under center, playing in the gun, playing a pro-style offense. I think NDSU prepared me well, just with the system, doing under-center play action, everything that we did in the gun I think is going to translate to the next level. And I’m excited to dive into the playbook and start to understand it a little bit more.” — Miller
■ Grade/analysis: B-. The Raiders wanted to find a young quarterback for Smith to tutor, and Miller is a winner even if he doesn’t have an eye-popping arm.
Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
■ Pick: Seventh round (222nd overall)
■ Hometown: Anoka, Minnesota
■ Size: 6 feet, 2 inches, 236 pounds
■ Role: There’s not much on his film to suggest he’s ready for a regular role as an NFL rookie, but his understanding of the game and a lack of depth at the position should give him a chance to compete for time early in his career.
■ Scouting report: “Lindenberg was a multiposition athlete in high school before settling in at linebacker for Minnesota. He’s quick with solid recognition and communication skills, but his lack of ideal size and top-end speed may limit his ability to carve out a consistent role at the next level.” — PFF Draft preview
■ Quotable: “I think he’s a great fit. He was a green dot guy at Minnesota, and he’s played a lot of football. He’s a high character, high intangible guy. He’s tough, he’s competitive, and I think he’s got good value in the kicking game for us, too.” — Raiders director of college scouting Brandon Yeargan
■ Grade/Analysis: C-. It’s probably a position that should have been addressed sooner.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X. […]

The Raiders had several chances Friday to end what has become the biggest storyline of the NFL draft.
But like the other 31 teams, they passed on drafting Shedeur Sanders, the polarizing former Colorado star quarterback, in the second or third rounds.
The son of Hall of Fame cornerback and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders was viewed as the second-best quarterback prospect in the draft and an almost certain first-round pick.
Yet he has not been among the five quarterbacks selected after three rounds of the draft, which concludes Saturday with the final four rounds beginning at 9 a.m.
The Raiders were connected to Sanders entering the draft, largely based on the team’s need for a developmental quarterback and Sanders’ long-standing relationship with minority owner Tom Brady.
Brady has worked out with and mentored Sanders over the years, and his TB12 brand signed Sanders to a name, image and likeness deal in 2022.
Sanders also took a top-30 prospect visit to the Raiders’ team facility in Henderson.
But after passing on him as expected with the No. 6 overall pick Thursday, the Raiders made four selections Friday without choosing a quarterback. They were also on the clock two other times only to trade out of the pick.
The Raiders have six picks Saturday, beginning with the sixth selection of the fourth round.
General manager John Spytek said the team has discussed drafting a quarterback despite trading for veteran Geno Smith and signing him to an extension.
“We continue to maintain that we’re always considering every position, especially quarterback,” Spytek said Friday after the third round. “So far, it hasn’t fallen our way with the evaluations we’ve had, but we’ll continue to do that with these six picks going forward.”
Five quarterbacks have come off the board ahead of Sanders.
Miami’s Cam Ward was the top overall pick by the Titans on Thursday, followed by the Giants trading up to No. 25 to take Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart.
The Saints took Louisville’s Tyler Shough in the second round Friday. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe (Seahawks) and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel (Browns) were picked in the third round.
Sanders’ slide has consumed much of the draft coverage on ESPN and NFL Network, with the outlets receiving criticism online for the amount of airtime dedicated to his plight.
Conspiracy theories also have started to circulate on social media about a leaguewide plot to control the growing power of college athletes by making an example of Sanders.
The exact reasoning is unlikely to be known until after the draft, but rumors started circulating this week about teams experiencing bad interviews with Sanders.
There are also on-field questions about his arm strength and athleticism, as well as a habit of holding on to the ball for too long. But those don’t appear to be enough to explain falling so far down the board, especially behind less productive passers.
Sanders appeared to be the victim of a hoax call Friday aimed to make him think he was being drafted.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X. […]

Running back Ashton Jeanty will arrive in Las Vegas on Friday for the first time as a member of the Raiders, a day after the team selected him in the first round of the NFL draft.
Jeanty, 21, was the Heisman Trophy runner-up as one of the best players in college football last season, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns for Boise State.
He is scheduled to address the media around 1:15 p.m.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X. […]

Ashton Jeanty is a phenomenal player whose character by all accounts might be more impressive than the sensational highlight reels he created at Boise State.
He’s likely to maximize every carry, even if it’s turning 1 yard into 3 yards, and there’s no reason to think he can’t be a Pro Bowler for the Raiders. Jeanty should boost the offense’s run game and has already had success at Allegiant Stadium, as UNLV fans are well aware.
The Raiders made a safe choice that probably will be backed up by Jeanty’s production and presence in the locker room and community. It will be remembered well by history.
But none of that means he was the right pick in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday. Running backs do matter, but they are a luxury in the modern NFL.
Economics of roster building
General manager John Spytek lamented last week the narrative that the position had been devalued in the modern NFL and wondered where such a silly theory had developed.
The answer is that it came from the growing influence of analytics in terms of roster building.
For people who still see that as a dirty word, look at it as more of a matter of economics. Supply and demand. Opportunity cost. These are common principles in business that have been applied to sports, and that’s a good thing. Sorry, the nerds are pretty smart.
The drop-off from the top tier of running backs to the next level is nowhere near as severe as the drop-off from the top players at premium positions — such as quarterback, offensive tackle, wide receiver and edge rusher — and backs are dependent on others doing their job. Success in the run game has come to be created by scheme, offensive line play and passing success more than individual talent in the backfield.
It’s how most successful franchises operate now and why Jeanty, taken with the sixth pick, is the highest-picked running back since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 in 2018.
It’s also how many observers expected the Raiders to conduct business with Spytek in charge, but the first-year general manager reiterated Thursday he’s not sure how that line of thinking got started.
“I don’t know where that came from. I was being honest,” Spytek said. “We just try to evaluate the players for who they are and add great football players and great people, as Ashton is.
“Running backs score touchdowns, and touchdowns, I think, are pretty important.”
Jeanty hopes he can be the exception to the rule and shut up the naysayers in the analytics community.
“I’m very proud of (defying conventional wisdom),” he said. “I’m just thankful for this opportunity. And I’m going to show everybody the position is valuable and it is great to take an exceptional running back in the first round.”
Betting on Jeanty
Spytek and coach Pete Carroll better hope they and Jeanty are right. They have a great deal riding on Jeanty and must maximize the rest of this draft and the next couple of seasons to make sure they build a roster of which Jeanty’s immense talent translates into wins and not empty stats.
It’s a big risk. And none of this is to say it was a terrible pick. The Raiders were in a tough position with the top offensive lineman (fourth) and top defensive tackle (fifth) off the board.
Two offensive tackles — Armand Membou at No. 7 and Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 9 — went in the three picks after the Raiders took Jeanty. While that’s a premium position of some need, especially with the Kolton Miller contract situation, the Raiders might not have had either player in the same tier as Jeanty. If it was close, the prudent move would be to lean to a tackle, but it might not have been close in their mind.
The best course of action, by far, would have been to try to trade down. But there might not have been any takers. While it’s believed the Bears would have been willing to trade up from No. 10, there is no firm evidence of an offer. And the Raiders already have nine picks, so it would have probably required some premium selections from Chicago to make that happen.
Again, Jeanty probably will be an exceptional player for the Raiders. But so was Barkley, whose biggest success came when he joined a contender. Just like Christian McCaffrey.
Running backs do matter. Elite performers at the position can make a good team great. They can elevate top offensive units into a different stratosphere. But it usually takes a good supporting cast.
That’s not a position the Raiders are in.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X. […]

All of the twists and turns and rumors and smokescreens are almost over.
The NFL draft is just a few days away, with the first round beginning Thursday in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Here is a final attempt at predicting how the first 32 picks will play out based on factors like reporting, gambling markets and some good old-fashioned speculation. There are only two trades in this exercise, but there could easily be more Thursday night.
The draft appears to start at No. 5, with the first four picks seemingly set. A lot is up in the air after that, including where Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders will go.

With all that said, here is the Review-Journal’s final 2025 mock draft:
1. Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Florida)
There doesn’t appear to be much mystery here. The Titans have shut down trade offers, so Ward will likely be the pick barring a massive last-minute surprise.
2. Browns
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Browns aren’t even shying away from discussing how they would use the two-way star at this point. Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, wants to be announced by commissioner Roger Goodell as playing both positions.
3. Giants
Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The Giants could still take Sanders, but Carter appears to be a safer bet to become a star.
4. Patriots
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell is a massive betting favorite to go with the fourth pick to New England, which wants to build around young quarterback Drake Maye. This selection isn’t a sure thing, but it makes sense.
5. Bears (from Jaguars)
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Here’s where the draft could take a major turn.
Jacksonville is a bit of a wild card and Chicago appears to be in love with Jeanty. The Bears could trade ahead of the Raiders to make sure they get their guy.
6. Raiders
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Raiders could go in several different directions if Jeanty is off the board. They may even look to trade down, but adding to their defensive line would be a wise decision.
Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker could also make sense here, as would Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou with left tackle Kolton Miller pushing for a new contract.
7. Jets
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Jets have been linked to Membou, but adding another playmaker to their offense may be too tempting to pass up.
8. Panthers
Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
Walker should provide immediate help to a defense that was woeful across the board last season.
9. Saints
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
There has been plenty of speculation about New Orleans taking a quarterback with Derek Carr hurt, but the Saints also have plenty of other needs to fill.
10. Jaguars (from Bears)
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
McMillan has been compared to Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans by some analysts. New Jacksonville coach Liam Coen, who was Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator last season, could view McMillan as the perfect sidekick for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
11. 49ers
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
San Francisco has needs along both lines of scrimmage as well as cornerback. Here they decide to grab the best lineman still on the board.
12. Cowboys
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Wide receiver should be in play for the Cowboys, but Johnson appears to be a strong scheme fit and is one of the best players available at this point.
13. Dolphins
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Adding another defensive back would help Miami mitigate the potential loss of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is believed to be on the trading block.
14. Colts
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts have been linked to Warren and Loveland throughout the draft process. Brock Bowers’ success with the Raiders last season may push teams to draft tight ends early.
15. Falcons
Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
It would be almost stunning if the Falcons don’t take an edge rusher here. Williams makes plenty of sense given he’s a Georgia native.
16. Cardinals
Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
There may be a run on pass rushers at this point of the draft. Green has been a late riser, though there are several prospects that could be in play here.
17. Bengals
Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Cincinnati needs to get better on defense. Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku is another potential option for the Bengals.
18. Seahawks
Grey Zabel, OG, North Dakota State
Seattle has a glaring need at interior offensive line. Zabel is a high-floor prospect who should be able to start right away.
19. Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is an elite prospect that could have been selected earlier if not for a shoulder injury that may limit him in training camp.
20. Broncos
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Denver is looking for a playmaker on offense and Hampton fits the bill. He has the rushing, receiving and blocking skills to be a three-down back.
21. Steelers
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The slide ends for Sanders here. Pittsburgh could also move up to get him, but the Steelers feel like the right fit for one of the draft’s most polarizing prospects. Mike Tomlin may be the perfect coach for Sanders as he transitions to the NFL.
22. Chargers
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
It’s easy to mock a Wolverine to Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who led Michigan to the 2023 national championship. Grant would also fit Harbaugh’s philosophy of building through the trenches.
23. Packers
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Hairston has risen up the ranks thanks to his combination of speed and physicality. He would fill a major need for Green Bay.
24. Vikings
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Minnesota appears to be making a concerted effort to beef up on both lines of scrimmage. Harmon fits that bill. His intelligence should also stand out to defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
25. Texans
Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
Houston would love to see Booker on the board when it picks. The team needs more bodies on the offensive line.
26. Rams
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
This seems like the kind of pick the Rams would make. Starks is a high-level prospect that would give Los Angeles a foundational piece on its defense.
27. Ravens
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Pairing Emmanwori with Kyle Hamilton would give Baltimore an incredible safety duo. Good luck passing on those two.
28. Lions
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Defensive line could also make sense for Detroit, but Golden may provide too much value at this point.
29. Saints (from Commanders)
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Here is the second and final trade of this mock draft.
This one would allow New Orleans to grab the quarterback it needs while helping Washington add extra picks. The Commanders are entering the draft with five selections, tied for the second-fewest.
30. Bills
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Buffalo could grab a wide receiver here, but it’s been taking a deep dive into this year’s defensive line class. Nolen would give the Bills another anchor in the interior.
31. Chiefs
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Simmons could drop out of the first round after a knee injury cut his 2024 season short. Still, Kansas City needs more protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
32. Eagles
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Philadelphia could take advantage of a tremendous prospect falling to its pick.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.

Up next
What: NFL draft
When: 5 p.m. Thursday (first round)
Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis.
TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network
Raiders picks: First round (6); second (37); third (68); fourth (108); fifth (143); sixth (180, 213, 215); seventh (222) […]

The Raiders are set to pick sixth in the 2025 NFL draft, which begins Thursday in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The team, if it holds onto the pick, will make a selection inside the top 10 for the 21st time in franchise history and the first time since 2023.
Here are all the Raiders’ previous top-10 picks and how each player panned out:
Joe Rutgens, DT, Illinois (Fifth overall, 1961)
The Raiders selected Rutgens in the AFL draft, but he spurned them to sign with the Redskins, who selected him with the third pick in the NFL draft.
He went on to record 40 sacks and make two Pro Bowls in nine seasons with Washington.
Roman Gabriel, QB, North Carolina State (First overall, 1962)
Gabriel was another top selection that chose the NFL over the AFL. He joined the Rams after being picked second overall in the NFL draft.
Gabriel went on to make four Pro Bowls and was the NFL’s MVP in 1969. He threw 201 touchdowns in 16 seasons with the Rams and Eagles.
Tony Lorick, RB, Arizona State (Seventh overall, 1964)
Lorick, like Rutgens and Gabriel before him, chose the NFL after being picked in the second round by the Colts. He ran for 2,124 yards and 14 touchdowns in six seasons with Baltimore and New Orleans.
Harry Schuh, OT, Memphis (Third overall, 1965)
The Raiders finally kept one of their picks with Schuh, who became a stalwart right tackle for six seasons.
He made three Pro Bowls over that span and was named a first-team All Pro in 1969. He finished his career with the Rams and Packers.
Marcus Allen, RB, USC (10th overall, 1982)
The Raiders made their first top-10 pick in 17 years count.
Allen began his Hall of Fame career with the Raiders, totaling 8,545 rushing yards and 79 rushing touchdowns in 11 seasons. He was also the MVP of Super Bowl 18.
Tim Brown, WR, Notre Dame (Sixth overall, 1988)
Brown became the second straight Raiders top-10 pick to reach the Hall of Fame. He made nine Pro Bowls with the team and hauled in 1,070 passes for 14,734 yards and 99 touchdowns in 16 seasons.
Terry McDaniel, DB, Tennessee (Ninth overall, 1988)
The Raiders, three picks after taking Brown, added another productive player. McDaniel made five Pro Bowls and had 34 interceptions during his 10 years with the organization.
Rickey Dudley, TE, Ohio State (Ninth overall, 1996)
Dudley had five productive seasons in Oakland, but ended up beating the Raiders as a member of the Buccaneers in Super Bowl 37.
Dudley finished his nine-year career with 221 catches for 3,024 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Darrell Russell, DT, USC (Second overall, 1997)
Russell’s promising career was cut short after a series of positive drug tests led to multiple suspensions. He finished with 28½ sacks in 83 games and made two Pro Bowls.
Russell was killed in an auto accident in 2005 at age 29.
Charles Woodson, DB, Michigan (Fourth overall, 1998)
Woodson was another Hall of Famer the Raiders snagged early in the draft. He won defensive rookie of the year in 1998 and made the Pro Bowl each of his first four seasons.
Woodson finished with 65 interceptions over his 18-year career, which included two stints with the Raiders.
Robert Gallery, OT, Iowa (Second overall, 2004)
Gallery appeared in 92 games for the Raiders in seven seasons, bouncing between right tackle, left tackle and left guard.
He was steady throughout his career, but never lived up to the immense expectations placed on him.
Michael Huff, DB, Texas (Seventh overall, 2006)
Huff played 108 games for the Raiders over seven seasons and was named a second-team All Pro in 2010. He finished with 11 interceptions during his time with the franchise.
Huff ended his career with brief stints in Baltimore and Denver.
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU (First overall, 2007)
Russell is considered one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history.
He was 7-18 as a starter over three seasons, completed just 52.1 percent of his passes and threw 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Russell threw three touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2009, his final season in the NFL.
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas (Fourth overall, 2008)
McFadden played 103 games over 10 seasons with the Raiders and Cowboys, rushing for 5,421 yards and 28 touchdowns.
He also caught 254 passes for 2,114 yards and five touchdowns in his career.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland (Seventh overall, 2009)
Heyward-Bey caught 140 passes for 2,071 yards and 11 touchdowns his four seasons with the Raiders. The speedster moved on afterward to play for the Colts and the Steelers.
Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama (Eighth overall, 2010)
McClain had 407 tackles over five seasons with the Raiders and Cowboys.
The Raiders waived him after three seasons due to a series of incidents on and off the field, which led McClain to announce his retirement at age 23.
He returned to the NFL with the Cowboys after a season away from the game and finished runner-up for comeback player of the year in 2014. McClain played just one more season before a series of drug-related suspensions ended his career.
Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo (Fifth overall, 2014)
Mack was part of a notable draft class for the Raiders that also included quarterback Derek Carr.
Mack started all 64 games he played for the team the next four years. He had 40½ sacks, three Pro Bowl appearances and a defensive player of the year award in that span before being dealt to the Bears in 2018 during a contract dispute.
Mack is still in the NFL and made the Pro Bowl last season with the Chargers.
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama (Fourth overall, 2015)
Cooper finished third in the rookie of the year voting in 2015 and made three Pro Bowls his first four seasons. He was later traded to Dallas midway through the 2018 season.
Cooper finished his time with the Raiders with 225 catches for 3,183 yards and 19 touchdowns. He played for the Browns and Bills last season.
Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson (Fourth overall, 2019)
Ferrell had 10 sacks in four seasons with the Raiders. He played for the Commanders last year and finished with 3½ sacks.
Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech (Seventh overall, 2023)
Wilson’s career got off to a slow start because he needed time to recover from a foot injury he suffered in college. He has eight sacks and 56 tackles in two NFL seasons.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X. […]

It’s the time of the year when fans can dream of a bright future for their favorite team thanks to a new batch of young prospects from the draft.
Few of those dreams have come true for the Raiders recently.
The team has had some bright spots, but its successes have been overshadowed by plenty of disappointments. The Raiders hope things are different this time around with new general manager John Spytek and coach Pete Carroll in charge for this year’s draft, which begins Thursday in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Spytek and Carroll inherited a club that could use some immediate contributors after some high picks didn’t pan out. Here’s an overview of how the Raiders have done their last four drafts:
2021
This class didn’t get off to a great start.
The Raiders selected Alabama offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood with the 17th overall pick, but he was cut in training camp before his second season. He is currently unsigned.

The rest of the group — which was put together by then-general manager Mike Mayock and coach Jon Gruden — fared much better.
Safety Tre’von Moehrig, the Raiders’ second-round pick, started 64 games over his four seasons with the team and signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Panthers in March.
Defensive end Malcolm Koonce, a third-round pick, had eight sacks his third season but missed all of 2024 with a knee injury. He signed a one-year, $12 million contract to return to the Raiders in March.
The team’s other third-round pick, linebacker Divine Deablo, spent four years in Las Vegas before signing a two-year, $14 million deal with the Falcons this offseason.
Fifth-round cornerback Nate Hobbs was a gem. He started 38 games over his four seasons with the Raiders before signing a four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers in March.
The team’s other picks in the 2021 draft didn’t contribute as much. Fourth-round safety Tyree Gillespie was traded after one year. Seventh-round center Jimmy Morrissey started his rookie season on the practice squad but was later poached by the Texans.
2022
This draft was former general manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels’ first with the Raiders. They moved their first- and second-round picks as part of the trade package for star wide receiver Davante Adams.
The Raiders used their third-round pick on offensive lineman Dylan Parham, who has been a steady presence for three seasons.
The Raiders then took running back Zamir White in the fourth round. He’s flashed some in his limited opportunities, but he disappointed in 2024 when he was given the chance to become the team’s top ball carrier.
Fourth-round pick Neil Farrell appeared in seven games as a rookie, but the defensive tackle was traded to the Chiefs in 2023.
Fifth-round pick Matthew Butler, another defensive tackle, has developed into a solid role player for the Raiders. He has appeared in 15 games the last three years.
Offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr., a seventh-round pick, has started 18 of the 46 games he’s played for the Raiders over the past three seasons. He remains with the team.
The Raiders’ other seventh-round pick, running back Brittain Brown, played in six games as a rookie before missing all of the 2023 campaign with an injury. He spent last year on the Seahawks’ practice squad.
2023
Ziegler and McDaniels began their second and final draft with the Raiders by selecting defensive end Tyree Wilson with the seventh overall pick.
Wilson has been frustrating at times and has just eight sacks his first 33 games. Still, the Raiders hope he can take another step his third season.
Tight end Michael Mayer, the team’s second-round pick, has 48 catches for 460 yards so far in his career. He missed six games last year for personal reasons.
Wide receiver Tre Tucker has been a solid contributor as a third-round pick, with 66 catches for 870 yards through two seasons. Fourth-round cornerback Jakorian Bennett was another solid find and has emerged as a starter.
The Raiders’ other third-round pick, defensive tackle Byron Young, was released before the 2024 season began. He was selected just a few spots ahead of an outside linebacker also named Byron Young, who is now a rising star with the Rams.
The Raiders took quarterback Aidan O’Connell in the fourth round of this draft as well. He is 7-10 as a starter through two seasons, though he is now behind Geno Smith on the depth chart.
Of the Raiders’ other picks, fifth-round safety Chris Smith II has become a special teams contributor and linebacker Amari Burney has received some playing time on defense. Seventh-round defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera played nine games before getting released midway through last season.
2024
Former general manager Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce found some talent in their lone draft with the franchise.
Tight end Brock Bowers had a record-breaking rookie season after being selected with the 13th overall pick. He appears destined to be one of the best players at his position for years to come.
Second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson made 14 starts on the offensive line last year, and is expected to stick at center this season. Third-round pick DJ Glaze is the team’s projected starter at right tackle after a solid rookie campaign.
Fourth-round pick Decamerion Richardson made seven starts at cornerback last season and could take on a more prominent role in 2025.
The Raiders’ other picks are still fighting for playing time.
Fifth-round linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and seventh-round safety Trey Taylor appeared mostly on special teams last season.
Sixth-round running back Dylan Laube fumbled his only NFL carry, though a fresh start under a new coaching staff could help him.
Seventh-round cornerback M.J. Devonshire spent his rookie season on the practice squad and will fight for a roster spot in training camp.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X. […]

If the Raiders are trying to hide their love of star prospect Ashton Jeanty, they’re not doing a good job of it.
The powers that be in Henderson are acting like awkward, bespectacled teenagers who can’t help but shyly drop their head and flash a silly grin every time their crush’s name gets mentioned.
Not that this analogy is coming from any sort of personal experience. Nope, not at all.
But the flirtations between Raiders’ brain trust and the unquestioned best running back in the draft are getting more and more obvious.
Almost to the point they can’t possibly be real.
‘Be careful’
When Jeanty’s name was mentioned in a question during Friday’s news conference at the team facility, coach Pete Carroll leaned away from the microphone and appeared to say something before general manager John Spytek answered the question.
It wasn’t clear in the room at the time, but a later viewing of the video appeared to suggest Carroll had reminded Spytek to “be careful” when answering the question about their feelings on the Boise State star.
“I’m going to be careful about talking about any specific player, but more broadly to the running back question, I mean we just saw Saquon Barkley just change the Eagles in one year,” Spytek said.
Yeah, not quite. But more on that later. Spytek thankfully conceded the Eagles were already a great team before adding Barkley before my hard-core analytics brethren experienced a simultaneous brain explosion.
But he also pushed back on the notion the running back position has declined in importance.
“I think when you sit where we sit, the idea is to add elite players at any position,” Spytek continued. “And I don’t try to devalue any certain position. I mean, there’s times in games where there’s nobody you’d rather have than the best kicker in the league, too, at least in that moment, right? So, there’s certain ways to build a team, and I don’t know where we got to a place where we don’t feel like running backs are valued.”
That came on the heels of the funny anecdote Spytek shared a couple of weeks ago about how his son threatened to find a new family if his father dared not select Jeanty with the sixth pick.
Jeanty hasn’t done much to extinguish the flame. He has spoken glowingly of the Raiders and his visit with the team in several interviews, while also lauding Carroll and his work with one of Jeanty’s early football idols, Marshawn Lynch.
All of this has led mock drafts to connect Jeanty to the Raiders at nearly a 60 percent clip and oddsmakers to install him as a pretty heavy favorite to be picked No. 6 on Thursday.
It can’t be that obvious. Spytek and Carroll are very sharp. They wouldn’t make sloppy mistakes like the Carroll “off-mic” reminder if they were really “Jeanty or bust.”
Tipping your hand in terms of the player you want removes so much value and so much bargaining power. They wouldn’t let that happen. Even if you’re not trying to shop the pick, you’re signaling to the entire world that teams have to trade up to the top five to get Jeanty if they want him.
There’s just no way. Unless they’re playing chess and trying to be so obvious that the other teams in the league think there’s no way it could be true and are therefore double-fooled?
That would be a pretty fun game to play, honestly. We’ll find out Thursday.
While teams have far more information and actual insight, they are really just like fans trying to predict how everything will play out. The Raiders, like all teams, track official visits and interviews and who attended which pro days and private workouts, trying to connect the dots.
“At the same time, that’s a lot of wasted energy to me, because at the end of the day we have no idea what these teams are going to do,” Spytek admitted. “We have a sense, but we’re guessing.”
So are the Raiders tipping their hand or playing games? It’s anyone’s guess at this point.
But as to Spytek’s dissertation about running backs, the answer to who devalued running backs over the year is people like him. Smart people.
The RB question
Jeanty isn’t good. He’s phenomenal. But he’s a running back, and team-building is a matter of simple economics. A great running back can make a very good team elite.
But building a running game is far more about the offensive line, scheme and a good passing game to set it up. Barkley elevated the Eagles because they were the Eagles.
Do you really think he would have done the same thing for the Giants had he stayed in New York?
Of course not. And that’s not a guess.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X. […]

The loss of Nate Hobbs in free agency meant the Raiders would have a hole to fill at cornerback this offseason.
When the organization followed by releasing starter Jack Jones, that need became far more pressing.
Here’s a look at where the Raiders stand at cornerback and how the team could approach the position in the draft, which begins April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin:
Current depth chart
Jakorian Bennett, Decamerion Richardson, Darnay Holmes, Sam Webb, Eric Stokes, M.J. Devonshire, Kyu Blu Kelly
Level of need: High
Bennett took a big step forward last season, and Richardson had promising moments as a rookie. Stokes, a free-agent signee, is a talented former first-round pick who has been limited to 29 games in the past three seasons because of injury.
The rest of the returners are mostly solid depth pieces who continue to develop. This is a group crying for another top-line starter and probably at least one additional quality player.
First-round prospects to watch: Travis Hunter, Colorado; Will Johnson, Michigan; Jahdae Barron, Texas
Hunter is elite, but he won’t be available at pick No. 6. Johnson has gained momentum as a possible match for the Raiders. The defensive MVP of the 2024 national championship game is a smart player who maintains outstanding fundamentals despite his elite size and fluidity.
Barron is a versatile defensive back who could excel for a zone team, particularly away from the boundary.
Second- to third-round prospects: Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina; Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky; Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame; Trey Amos, Ole Miss; Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State; Darien Porter, Iowa State; Zy Alexander, LSU; Denzel Burke, Ohio State; Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech; Jacob Parrish, Kansas State; Cobee Bryant, Cal
Hairston has been gaining momentum as a late first-round pick and could make an immediate impact as a zone specialist, especially in nickel and dime packages. Amos, conversely, loves to play on an island and use his physicality to win at the line of scrimmage in man coverage.
Parrish, who excels in man coverage and loves to press at the line, could be an intriguing fit. He plays with a great deal of physicality.
Fourth- through seventh-round prospects: Nohl Williams, Cal; Mello Dotson, Kansas; Quincy Riley, Louisville; Tommi Hill, Nebraska; O’Donnell Fortune, South Carolina; Alijah Huzzie, North Carolina; Jason Marshall Jr., Florida; Bilhal Kone, Western Michigan; Justin Walley, Minnesota; Jaylin Smith, USC
Williams spent his first three seasons at UNLV, where he had five interceptions and a forced fumble before going to Cal and improving his stock the past two years. He led the nation with seven interceptions last season and has developed a nose for the ball. He’s not an elite athlete and might need time to develop at the next level, but has shown an ability to excel in multiple schemes.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X. […]