The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, winning 19-14 in a game that had massive 2025 NFL Draft-order implications. As a result of their victory, the Raiders moved down from second to No. 6 overall in the current order, dropping four total spots. It significantly lessens the Raiders' chances of drafting one of the top-ranked quarterback prospects.
Barring an aggressive trade-up, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward may be outside the realm of possibility for Vegas now. Veteran general manager Tom Telesco may need to start considering talents at other positions.
We've identified three non-quarterbacks the Raiders could target given their current draft positioning.
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
A blue-chip defensive talent could be the alternative choice if Sanders or Ward are outside Las Vegas' reach. Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is arguably among the best overall players available in the draft. Graham was dominant for the Wolverines this season, even in a down year for the program, recording career highs in tackles (46) and sacks (3.5).
The Raiders' decision to sign Christian Wilkins to a massive four-year contract worth $110 million in the offseason hasn't panned out. Wilkins has missed the majority of the campaign with a Jones fracture in his foot. He recorded two sacks in five appearances before being ruled out indefinitely. The Raiders can't escape that contract this summer, so pairing him with an effective interior defender may be the best course of action heading into next season. Graham would remove some of the pressure placed on Wilkins in 2025.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The decision to send Davante Adams to the New York Jets near the trade deadline created a long-term need at boundary receiver for the Raiders. If the Raiders can't draft Sanders or Ward, they'll have to pursue a veteran starting quarterback this summer. Signing a free-agent-to-be like Sam Darnold or Kirk Cousins would provide the offense with better QB play than what Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew have put forth this season.
If a veteran quarterback like Darnold ends up in Vegas this offseason, the Raiders will immediately want to upgrade the pass-catchers at his disposal. Drafting Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan would quickly achieve that goal. Pairing McMillan with Brock Bowers would give whoever is playing QB for the Raiders next season a legitimate duo to work with.
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Maxx Crosby needs help. The always-reliable pass rusher got injured this season, finishing with a team-high 7.5 sacks in 12 appearances. With two contests remaining, it's safe to assume no alternative defender will surpass him on the in-house leaderboard. K'Lavon Chaisson and Tyree Wilson have 4.0 sacks apiece. Wilson is still growing into his potential, and Chaisson is playing on an expiring contract.
The Raiders have never paired Crosby with an appropriate running mate at EDGE. Drafting Penn State's Abdul Carter would finally address that long-lasting need. Carter is downright dominant, pairing rare athleticism with playmaking instincts. He was totally unblockable against SMU on Saturday and should continue using the College Football Playoff to establish himself as the best pass rusher in this draft.
