Las Vegas Raiders: 3-Round Mock Draft, Part 1

A season of highs and many lows has come to it’s conclusion for the Las Vegas Raiders. Following a 34-20 defeat in Week 18, the Raiders will pick sixth in the 2025 NFL draft; and starting this week, I will be making three round, predictive mock drafts for the Raiders every single week. As the pre-draft process begins to ramp up, this will grow to be five rounds, and potentially include trades.

2025 Las Vegas Raiders Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick 6: Will Johnson, CB – Michigan

Will Johnson is the pick here in our first mock draft. It’s incredibly unlikely that the top-2 quarterbacks fall to the Raiders. Because of that, the Raiders will select the best player available. In this instance, that is Johnson.

Johnson, a former National Championship winner with the Michigan Wolverines, is the consensus CB1 for many draft analysts, and for me it is no different.

At 6-feet, 2-inches, Johnson has good size to play defensive back. Paired with his excellent acceleration, he has the range to cover any NFL receiver. Johnson often tries to make plays on the football, which occasionally leads to game-changing moments. He also anticipates well, especially when he can track the eyes of the opposing QB. His aggression can however lead to negative plays, as he is prone to bite on some double moves and pull himself out of position.

However, the Raiders need a game-changer on defense. Johnson will instantly come in and be a difference-maker for Las Vegas.

Round 2, Pick 39: Derrick Harmon, DT – Oregon

Derrick Harmon is the best case scenario for the Raiders in the second round in this mock draft. Since his transfer to Oregon at the start of the 2024 season, Harmon has shot up draft boards due to his consistent ability to get into the backfield.

At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, he has the perfect frame for an IDL, and his ability to use his size to take on double teams sets him apart from the rest of the class as a run stopper. If the Raiders could pair Harmon with Christian Wilkins on the defensive line, they should do whatever they can to make it happen.

Harmon is raw as a pass rusher, often relying on his rip move to penetrate in the pass game. He doesn’t have a consistent second option yet – but that’s what coaching is for. If he excels, the Raiders can have a dominant defensive front.

Round 3, Pick 70: Jack Sawyer, DE – Ohio State

Jack Sawyer would allow the Raiders to once again add some size to the defensive line. At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, a lot of NFL teams could fall in love with the potential of developing an athlete like Sawyer.

The Raiders have a good recent track record of developing that talent over the last two years in Malcolm Koonce, Adam Butler, and K’Lavon Chaisson. Raiders fans also saw Tyree Wilson take a huge step forward in 2024, and begin to make positive plays consistently. Sawyer is similar to Wilson with his size and reliability on a single pass-rush move.

Round 3, Pick 71: Jalen Royals, WR – Utah State

Jalen Royals is about as good of a Davante Adams replacement as you can hope for on Day 2 of the NFL draft. With a good frame of 6-feet, 205 pounds, Royals is yet another pick where size will not be an issue.

With deep speed to threaten downfield and good “YAC” ability, Royals provides versatility at the receiver position. His foot quickness not only allows for a good release against off-man coverage, but also allows for sharp cuts to be made on short routes.

A foot injury did prematurely end his season in October, though it is not expected to impact his stock, or his ability to train. His major flaw is against press man, where he struggles to protect his chest against handsy DB’s at the line of scrimmage. However, that’s something that can be coached. Royals would make an excellent addition to the Raiders offense that desperately needs more pass-catchers.