The Fresh Start the Raiders Desperately Need

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking toward the draft to save their franchise. Who can they expect to see, given their top draft pick?

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll reacts during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

For another year in a row, it looks like the Las Vegas Raiders will be drafting a player in the top 15 picks of the draft. Their last three first-round draft picks are as follows: Tyree Wilson, Brock Bowers, and, most recently, Ashton Jeanty.

The Raiders have a mixed history of success when it comes to players taken in the first round, but these past three seasons have yielded good results. Wilson may not have been the player they thought he was when they drafted him, but he still plays his role well on their defense.

2026 NFL Mock Draft

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Bowers' historic rookie season was the lone highlight of the 2024 Raiders, and if he hadn't been injured this season, he would've built off that success in his sophomore season. It's too early to give an overview of Jeanty's rookie campaign, but he's shown flashes of his college self amidst his slow start.

Mike Renner, sports writer for CBS Sports, released a third iteration of his 2026 NFL mock draft, and he predicts the trend of offensive players taken in the first round for the Raiders will continue with their selection of Dante Moore, their next potential franchise quarterback.

Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) throws a pass before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

"He's got such a talented arm that it's hard not to see him getting drafted highly -- it's more just a matter of when at this point. With the Raiders having Geno Smith under contract, they can afford to take someone like Moore, who hasn't played a ton of football, to develop in the background", said Renner.

The Geno Smith experiment in Las Vegas hasn't worked out in their favor, and he's at risk of being benched after the team comes back from their week 8 bye. Taking a quarterback is certainly a way they can fix their offense, and placing him behind Smith for a year gives him a chance to learn and grow before being thrust into the starting role.

MOORE 👉 MOORE 🦆@oregonfootball with another TD 👏 pic.twitter.com/1pgTxyNuXW

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 18, 2025

Moore's arm stands out when watching his film, but his decision-making and scrambling ability are all things in which he's shown flashes of brilliance. He isn't a perfect prospect, and some things can be improved upon, but if he actualizes his potential, he can elevate the Raiders into stardom.

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