The Las Vegas Raiders have officially unveiled their 2025 NFL Draft class in a press conference led by newly appointed head coach Pete Carroll, marking a new era for the storied franchise. The announcement sent waves through the NFL community as Carroll, known for his energetic leadership and championship pedigree from his Seattle Seahawks days, introduced a group of rookies expected to reshape the Raiders’ identity. The draft class, carefully selected to address key needs while injecting young talent into the roster, features a mix of explosive playmakers and defensive stalwarts who align with Carroll’s vision of a physical, fast, and disciplined football team.
Leading the class is first-round pick quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the dynamic left-handed signal-caller from Washington who reunites with his college coach in Las Vegas. Penix, who played under Carroll during his transfer year at Washington, brings a proven understanding of the coach’s offensive system along with elite arm talent and mobility. His selection at No. 12 overall signals the Raiders’ commitment to building around a franchise quarterback, ending years of uncertainty at the position. Carroll gushed about Penix’s leadership qualities and familiarity with pro-style concepts, suggesting the rookie could compete for immediate playing time despite the presence of veteran Gardner Minshew on the roster.
The Raiders doubled down on offensive firepower in the second round by selecting Texas speedster Xavier Worthy, whose record-breaking 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the Combine made him impossible to ignore. Worthy gives Las Vegas the vertical threat they’ve lacked since trading Davante Adams, with Carroll emphasizing how the rookie’s game-breaking speed will force defenses to respect every inch of the field. The coach drew comparisons between Worthy’s skill set and that of a young Tyler Lockett, whom Carroll developed into a Pro Bowl receiver in Seattle.
On the defensive side, third-round pick Cooper Beebe from Kansas State figures to make an immediate impact as a plug-and-play guard who could start from Day 1. Carroll praised Beebe’s nasty demeanor in the trenches, calling him the type of road-grader who embodies the Raiders’ historic commitment to offensive line dominance. The selection addresses a glaring need after Las Vegas struggled to establish consistent rushing attacks in recent seasons.
Perhaps the most intriguing defensive addition came in the fourth round with the selection of Miami safety Kamren Kinchens, a ball-hawking centerfielder whose instincts and range remind Carroll of his Legion of Boom days. Kinchens, who led the FBS with nine interceptions over his final two college seasons, gives the Raiders exactly the kind of turnover-forcing defensive back Carroll’s systems have historically featured. The coach hinted at using Kinchens in multiple roles, including nickel packages and special teams, where his playmaking could shine immediately.
The Raiders addressed their pass rush in the fifth round by taking UCLA edge rusher Gabriel Murphy, whose non-stop motor and technical hand usage made him one of the Pac-12’s most productive defenders. Carroll sees Murphy as an ideal rotational piece behind Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce, with the potential to develop into a starter. The sixth round brought a potential steal in Michigan center Drake Nugent, a cerebral lineman who started for the national champions and brings championship pedigree to an offensive line room needing depth.
Carroll saved his most emotional praise for seventh-round selection Sione Vaki, the Utah two-way standout who will get looks at both running back and safety. The coach compared Vaki’s versatility and football IQ to former Seahawks star Jermaine Kearse, suggesting the rookie could carve out an immediate role on special teams while developing at either position.
The press conference took an interesting turn when Carroll revealed undrafted free agent signings, highlighting Oregon State tight end Jake Overman as someone who could surprise people in camp. The coach’s history of developing undrafted gems like Doug Baldwin gives credibility to his excitement about these fringe roster additions.
Analysts have largely praised the Raiders’ draft strategy, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper calling it “a perfect marriage of need and value that plays directly to Carroll’s strengths as a developer of talent.” The emphasis on offensive skill players early, followed by defensive reinforcements and line depth, shows a clear blueprint for how Carroll wants to build his roster.
Perhaps most telling was Carroll’s closing statement: “This is just the beginning of what we’re building here. These young men represent the future of Raiders football – fast, physical, and fearless.” His energy and clear vision for the draft class has ignited optimism among a fanbase hungry for success after years of mediocrity.
With rookie minicamp just weeks away, all eyes will be on how quickly Penix can adapt to NFL speed, whether Worthy’s college production translates against professional corners, and if Kinchens can become the defensive centerpiece Carroll believes he can be. One thing is certain – the 2025 Las Vegas Raiders will look markedly different from previous iterations, with Pete Carroll’s fingerprints all over the new-look roster.
As the press conference concluded, Carroll left reporters with one final thought: “The Raiders are back to being the Raiders – and the NFL better be ready.” The message was clear – through this draft class and the culture he’s building, Carroll intends to return the Silver and Black to their historic place among the league’s most feared franchises. Only time will tell if these rookies can deliver on that promise, but for the first time in years, there’s genuine excitement about the future of football in Las Vegas.
