The Las Vegas Raiders have a laundry list full of needs they have to address in the 2025 NFL Draft. And, of course, No. 1 on that list is anything that will help improve the worst running game in the league in 2024. Second, would be to help Geno Smith.
And they can do both of those at the same time by taking well balanced offensive linemen. They need guys who can pass block but also get into that second level in the run game, and really open up running lanes -- something that was virtually non-existent last season. But, it's very confusing to see where the Raiders currently value their offensive line already in place.
Do they think there is more work to be done? Do they like what they have and think they should address it all in the 2025 NFL Draft, especially the right tackle position and the interior of the offensive line? The offensive line started as one of the worst in the league, but their last four games were good. Maybe the Raiders think those young guys will take a jump.
This whole time, I have been under the assumption that the Raiders would try and draft at least one tackle and at least one guard, whether it was the beginning of the draft or the end of the draft. And that may not happen. Or, it may happen. Either way, the Raiders are confusing us.
"We got a draft, we got nine picks, and I love linemen," general manager John Spytek said during the annual NFL Owners Meetings on Monday in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Spytek also mentioned that there are four guards competing for two starting guard spots, and the three other than Alex Cappa, the former Cincinnati Bengals guard signed this offseason, will compete for the center spot. So, based on everything we are hearing, it's a bit confusing. It's very back and forth, with one thing sid that would make you lean one way, and another thing said that would make you lean another way.
The Raiders have some very important decisions to make over the next few weeks, as the 2025 NFL draft is really just under a month away.