season

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-rumors-texas-star-jahdae-barron-potential-shocker-no-6');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders rumors: Texas star linked to potential shocker at No. 6');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-Packers-could-use-Jahdae-Barron-out-of-Texas.jpg"><figcaption>© Mikala Compton/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders rumors: Texas star linked to potential shocker at No. 6</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-18T13:50:01-07:00">April 18th, 1:50pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-18T13:50:01-07:00">April 18th, 1:50pm</time><address><a>Jaren Kawada</a>Jaren Kawada is a former full-time sports bettor and is now a NFL, College Football and Betting Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. Kawada was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, but now resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, after graduating from Butler University with a B.A. in sports media. Aside from football, Kawada is an avid combat sports and basketball bettor.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the odds of the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/raiders-news-ashton-jeanty-eye-opening-take-draft-rumors">Las Vegas Raiders taking Ashton Jeanty</a> at No. 6 continue to rise. However, with the Raiders also in need of secondary help, former Texas star Jahdae Barron could sneak into the conversation.</p><p>Though many view Michigan’s Will Johnson as the best pure cornerback of the class, ESPN’s Jordan Reid <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2025/insider/story/_/id/44687286/2025-nfl-draft-latest-buzz-rumors-news-sanders-saints-browns-predictions-trades" rel="noopener">made his case</a> for Barron. Reid claimed that Johnson’s injury concerns should allow Barron, the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner, to surpass him in the draft.</p><p>“Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron will be drafted before Michigan’s Will Johnson,” Reid wrote. “Barron is one of the few corners in this class who hasn’t been injured or missed parts of the pre-draft process. He had a standout 2024 campaign with five interceptions, earning the Jim Thorpe Award (nation’s best defensive back). Meanwhile, Johnson missed six games this season with a toe injury and then Michigan’s pro day with a hamstring injury.”</p><p>Reid added that while Johnson missed Michigan’s pro day, he held a private workout for scouts to view at a later date. However, he did not perform every desired drill and failed to answer every question. The analyst further argued that Johnson’s poor pre-draft process could lead to the first team in need of a cornerback to take Barron earlier than predicted.</p><p>“On Monday, Johnson held a private workout for scouts,” Reid added. “I talked to scouts who had pretty good things to say about it, but Johnson elected not to run a 40-yard dash, which leaves plenty of question marks about his evaluation and overall speed. So Barron could be picked ahead of Johnson — maybe even as early as No. 6 to the Raiders.”</p><h2><b>Raiders’ 2025 NFL Draft needs</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pete-Carroll-press-conference-.jpg"><figcaption>Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>As they prepare to enter a new era under Pete Carroll in 2025, the Raiders underwent a full personnel overhaul in the offseason. From hiring a new general manager and head coach to trading for Geno Smith, Las Vegas will debut an entirely new team in the fall.</p><p>Amid the changes, the Raiders still have some of the same needs to address in the draft. While they managed to find an answer at quarterback, the lackluster backfield and receiving room still need to be tended to.</p><p>Beyond Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas’ defense is also a major question mark following the losses of Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo, Nate Hobbs, Marcus Epps and Tre’von Moehrig. The Raiders added some pieces in return, but still have massive question marks at nearly every position of Patrick Graham’s defensive unit. Drafting Barron would be a solid addition to a cornerback room that currently lacks depth.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders rumors: Texas star linked to potential shocker at No. 6

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-rumors-scout-marshawn-lynch-reason-espn-mock-draft');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders rumors: Scout gives ‘Marshawn Lynch’ reason for pick in new ESPN mock draft');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/full_43f397.jpg"></figure><h1>Raiders rumors: Scout gives ‘Marshawn Lynch’ reason for pick in new ESPN mock draft</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-17T16:10:10-07:00">April 17th, 4:10pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-17T16:10:10-07:00">April 17th, 4:10pm</time><address><a href="https://matthew516sports.substack.com/">Douglas Fritz</a>Douglas Fritz has been writing about sports for almost four decades and publishes a Christian sports newsletter and podcast on Substack at Matthew516Sports. He started as a reporter for the student newspaper at East Tennessee State University, worked his way up to Editor-In-Chief, and began his sports writing career at the Johnson City Press daily newspaper while still in college. During 30-plus years at the Press, he covered University of Tennessee football, men's and women's basketball, ETSU athletics, and high school athletics. Among the people he has interviewed are Dale Murphy, Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, and Bruce Smith. He is also a Christian-based screenwriter (five feature-length and one short), book writer (three completed manuscripts and one novel), and songwriter.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Depending on who you listen to, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/3-reasons-ashton-jeanty-is-perfect-raiders-fit-2025-nfl-draft">Las Vegas Raiders may be all in</a> on Ashton Jeanty. Or <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-rumors-the-no-6-pick-that-should-be-made-over-ashton-jeanty">they might be swayed</a> to go with defense. But a scout gave a Marshawn Lynch reason for <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2025/insider/story/_/id/44689192/2025-nfl-draft-mock-scouts-top-10-predictions-picks" rel="noopener">the first-round pick</a> in the new ESPN mock draft.</p><p>The Raiders hope to have solved their quarterback need by trading a third-round pick to the Seahawks for quarterback Geno Smith. So that leaves a big need at the running back position.</p><p>ESPN’s allowed users to act as general managers, and an NFC West national scout gave a reason for going with Jeanty in the first round.</p><h2><b>Raiders should grab RB Ashton Jeanty</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/full_d91387.jpg"></figure><p>It came down to value.</p><p>“I seriously considered going wide receiver here because of the needs, but I can’t ignore the value of Jeanty,” the scout said. “He might be the best player in the class, and you know exactly what you’re getting with him.”</p><p>Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 TDs last season.</p><p>“He shows contact balance and breakaway speed,” ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote. “But he’s also a capable receiver out of the backfield and would open up the Raiders’ passing game. This is Pete Carroll getting his Marshawn Lynch.”</p><p>The Raiders finished last in the NFL last season in yards per carry (3.6) and rushing yards per game (79.8). And it makes sense that Carroll won’t be happy with that kind of ground attack. So the Raiders certainly seemed primed to get Jeanty.</p><p>He’s 5-foot-9 and 211 pounds with <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/the-beast/2025/player/ashton_jeanty-running_back-rEw4u2PC213tn0LR/" rel="noopener">plenty of juice</a>, according to nytimes.com.</p><p>“With his low center of gravity and explosiveness, Jeanty has an uncanny ability to stay afloat through contact and be elusive in space,” Dane Brugler wrote. “He trusts his vision when following his blocks, but instead of predetermining his path, he displays outstanding reactionary reads to sort, cut, and create.</p><p>“Overall, Jeanty displays exceptional contact balance, run instincts, and versatility in the passing game, reminiscent of LaDainian Tomlinson. He has the talent to emerge as a high-level running back early in his NFL career.”</p><p>Tomlinson. Lynch. What if you had a combination of the two? Wow.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders rumors: Scout gives ‘Marshawn Lynch’ reason for pick in new ESPN mock draft

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-las-vegas-acknowledge-wwe-roman-reigns');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders acknowledge WWE’s Roman Reigns in style');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Roman-Reigns-at-the-Royal-Rumble-on-February-1-2025.jpg"><figcaption>Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders acknowledge WWE’s Roman Reigns in style</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-17T06:10:53-07:00">April 17th, 6:10am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-17T06:10:53-07:00">April 17th, 6:10am</time><address><a>Andrew Korpan</a>Andrew Korpan is the lead entertainment editor and film critic for ClutchPoints. He's also an award-winning author and Ken Jeong's best friend.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Celebrity</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the city of Las Vegas gets set to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/wwe/wwe-news-wrestlemania-41-stage-leak">host WWE WrestleMania 41</a>, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/wwe/wwe-news-roman-reigns-reveals-the-architect-current-success">Raiders acknowledged their Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns</a>.</p><p>WWE and the Raiders posted a video of Reigns making his way to the team’s facility. The Raiders’ post featured Reigns proudly displaying his custom jersey, saying, “Raider nation, acknowledge me.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="qme">🩸☝🏾 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaiderNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaiderNation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWE</a> <a href="https://t.co/s3xIesnKPz">pic.twitter.com/s3xIesnKPz</a></p><p>— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1912656835116691486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>In WWE’s post, he was greeted with Raiders-themed swag, including a custom jersey with his last name. The jersey gave him the number 96. Fans of Reigns know that Reigns wore number 96 when he played for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/WWERomanReigns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWERomanReigns</a> is welcomed to Las Vegas with some <a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Raiders</a> gear! 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/wqNh0KKExv">pic.twitter.com/wqNh0KKExv</a></p><p>— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1912658414746104226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>He also received a bomber jacket with the team logo on it — “Championship workouts happening right here, baby,” he quipped. The jacket also made him reminisce about a memory with his mother. While they didn’t have the money for it, his mom bought him a similar jacket, even if it wasn’t the right thing.</p><p>“That’s old school — I’m old enough to know about this. These button-ups were the jam back in the day,” he recalled. “They don’t make them like this anymore. And then the other starter with the hoodie and the half-zip, that’s where it was at.</p><p>“My mom never got the right one, though, but I loved her. We [didn’t] have no money for it, and she still did it, so God bless her,” he continued.</p><h2><b>Will the Raiders play a part in WWE WrestleMania Las Vegas with Roman Reigns?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Roman-Reigns-and-Seth-Rollins-at-the-Royal-Rumble.jpg"><figcaption>Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><p>The Raiders hosting Reigns makes sense, given that WrestleMania 41 takes place in their home stadium, Allegiant Stadium. Reigns will likely be walking to the right by himself, but you never know if any Raiders players will factor into the match.</p><p>Last year, WrestleMania took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In turn, Eagles players Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson interfered in Rey Mysterio and Andrade’s tag team match against Dominik Mysterio and Santos Escobar. At WrestleMania 39, San Fransisco 49ers tight end George Kittle appeared as well.</p><p>Recently, Seth Rollins interacted with Raiders <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news-seth-rollins-pitch-maxx-crosby">star edge rusher Maxx Crosby</a>. “I might have to give you a call,” Crosby told Rollins about appearing at WrestleMania 41.</p><p>Reigns is heading into a star-studded triple threat match against CM Punk and Seth Rollins. While Reigns and Rollins have been in the main event of WrestleMania several times before, it is Punk’s first time closing the show. Regardless of the outcome, it will be a historic moment.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders acknowledge WWE’s Roman Reigns in style

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/las-vegas-raiders-2025-nfl-mock-draft-2025');   ga('set', 'title', 'Las Vegas Raiders 2025 NFL Mock Draft 2025');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Las-Vegas-Raiders-2025-NFL-Mock-Draft.jpg"></figure><h1>Las Vegas Raiders 2025 NFL Mock Draft 2025</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-16T19:30:32-07:00">April 16th, 7:30pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-16T19:32:09-07:00">April 16th, 7:32pm</time><address><a>Lorenzo J Reyna</a>Lorenzo J Reyna has joined ClutchPoints as Associate Editor of NFL &amp; NCAA Football. He's equipped with past experience for both realms through his recent stops at Pro Football Network and Heavy while also writing for 247Sports. His Twitter/X handle is @LJ_Reyna and his Instagram is @lj_zo_rey.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders have nine potential game changers to bring in. All through the 2025 NFL Draft.</p><p>Incoming quarterback Geno Smith needs weapons. Top rookie Brock Bowers can use receiving help. Vegas can even look into adding depth or trench help for Maxx Crosby.</p><p>But this draft is more than helping out these three 2025 cornerstones in Sin City. New head coach Pete Carroll can win over Silver and Black fans by nailing this draft class. This time he has the backing of John Spytek at general manager and Tom Brady as co-owner. All three know firsthand how to build a Super Bowl contender — with nine rings combined (Brady has seven).</p><p>We’re not turning to mock simulators for his one, though. These selections are based on need, value or depth. The trio of Spytek, Carroll and Brady all lock in their first draft class by starting with…</p><h2><b>Raiders turn to Ashton Jeanty first </b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ashton-Jeanty-vs-Penn-State.jpg"><figcaption>Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Ashton Jeanty to the Raiders looks more realistic as the days pass. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/3-reasons-ashton-jeanty-is-perfect-raiders-fit-2025-nfl-draft">There’s multiple reasons why Jeanty is a fit</a>.</p><p>He lights a fire under a dismal ground attack that ranked 32nd. Jeanty is his own workhorse back. But he’s one of the few backs who can wear down a defense the more carries he handles.</p><p>He’s heading into a run-first approach Carroll is installing alongside Chip Kelly. Jeanty evokes Marshawn Lynch flashbacks for Carroll. He gets his power back of the future at No. 6.</p><h2>Defensive help and explosive WR arrive next for Raiders</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Tory-Horton-of-Colorado-State.jpg"><figcaption>Cris Tiller / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The day two selections bolster the two other instrumental needs for L.V.</p><p>Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams arrives next at 37th. Kelly is familiar with the massive 6-foot-3, 334-pounder — as he clogged running lanes and collapsed pockets for the Buckeyes. He’s a perfect complimentary option next to Christian Wilkins.</p><p>Smith then receives his new target: Tory Horton at No. 68. The Colorado State and Nevada star delivered multiple 1,000-yard seasons. Horton brings the quick feet, hands and ball-tracking ability that bolsters the WR room. Plus reminds Smith of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Horton returns to the Silver State here.</p><h2><b>Raiders make deal with Dolphins for next pick </b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Dolphins-cornerback-Jalen-Ramsey.jpg"><figcaption>Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>In the words of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, we’ve got a trade! Miami acquires the Raiders’ 108th selection and a 2026 third rounder. Vegas moves down to 116, but adds Jalen Ramsey to top off the deal.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/betting/raiders-news-las-vegas-favored-land-jalen-ramsey-dolphins-trade-rumors">Ramsey and the Raiders are popularly linked</a>. Spytek and company finally address cornerback in this deal. Ruling out needing a CB early.</p><p>Vegas then adds a defensive back teammate for Ramsey at 116th: Jaylen Reed of Penn State. The Nittany Lions star adds a downhill hitter for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to install a new nastiness for the Raiders.</p><h2>Raiders address QB in draft’s final day</h2><p>Raiders insider Vic Tafur of The Athletic <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6268381/2025/04/11/geno-smith-nfl-draft-raiders-mailbag/" rel="noopener">calls for the team</a> to trade Aidan O’Connell. That’ll likely become a popular idea between April 24 to 26 inside the Raiders’ draft room.</p><p>The move opens the door for Quinn Ewers of Texas to come inside. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-rumors-insider-makes-qb-draft-trade-prediction">Ewers is another popular Raiders possibility</a>. He sits and learns from Smith here.</p><p>The final four selections become a mix of offensive and defensive skill guys. Linebacker Cody Simon adds to the Ohio State representation at 180th. Ricky White of UNLV then stays in the 702 by going 213th overall. White posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Rebels, but scored a career-high 11 touchdowns last season.</p><p>Jaydon Blue joins Jeanty in the backfield at No. 215. The Texas star provides a future “lightning” back for Kelly and Carroll with his 4.38 speed. Cornerback Justin Walley of Minnesota ends the Raiders’ draft at No. 222 — handing the team a possible slot CB option.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Las Vegas Raiders 2025 NFL Mock Draft 2025

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-key-geno-smith-protector-kolton-miller-skipping-voluntary-workouts-contract-talks');   ga('set', 'title', 'Key Geno Smith protector skipping Raiders’ voluntary workouts amid contract talks');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kolton-Miller-of-the-Las-Vegas-Raiders.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Key Geno Smith protector skipping Raiders’ voluntary workouts amid contract talks</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-16T16:49:08-07:00">April 16th, 4:49pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-16T16:49:08-07:00">April 16th, 4:49pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-gets-2-year-contract-extension-trade">Raiders have had quite the offseason after trading for Geno Smith</a> from the Seattle Seahawks. With the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft, the franchise has a chance to select a marquee player to help improve its chances for next season. However, there is some concern with a key player on the offensive line with the draft around the corner.</p><p>Reports indicate that starting left tackle Kolton Miller <a href="https://x.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1912634162265063740" rel="noopener">is not participating</a> in the Raiders’ voluntary offseason program, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Miller, who is 29 years of age, is seeking a new contract as he’s due to become a free agent in the 2026 offseason.</p><p>“Raiders LT Kolton Miller is not currently participating in the voluntary offseason program as he seeks a contract extension, per source.  Miller, 29, is a seven-year starter and 2026 free agent. Las Vegas has not engaged in contract talks with the former first-round pick.”</p><p>This is something the Raiders are likely tabbing for later in the offseason. The front office is busy finalizing its draft board, and once the draft is concluded, they should be able to focus more time on discussing a possible contract extension for Miller. Additionally, the offseason program the veteran left tackle is skipping is voluntary, which means his presence is not required for these workouts.</p><p>However, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-geno-smith-eye-opening-take-prove-sundays">considering the Raiders have a new quarterback</a> on the roster, the team would likely want Miller to get involved early. Developing a chemistry with the 34-year-old quarterback sooner, rather than later, would help Las Vegas’ offense get in the groove well before the start of the preseason. Regardless, Miller’s situation will gain momentum if the team fails to negotiate a contract with him during the summer and the contract talks continue into August.</p><p>Smith is coming off his third consecutive successful season, as he seemingly played well for the Seahawks from 2022 through the 2024 seasons. The two-time Pro Bowler ended the 2024 campaign with a career high of 4,320 passing yards. He backed that up with 21 passing touchdowns and 15 interceptions while recording an impressive 70.4% completion percentage.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Key Geno Smith protector skipping Raiders’ voluntary workouts amid contract talks

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-rumors-the-no-6-pick-that-should-be-made-over-ashton-jeanty');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders rumors: The No. 6 pick that should be made over Ashton Jeanty');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Las-Vegas-Raiders-general-manager-John-Spytek-on-radio-row-during-the-NFL-Scouting-Combine.jpg"><figcaption>© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders rumors: The No. 6 pick that should be made over Ashton Jeanty</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-16T12:12:04-07:00">April 16th, 12:12pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-16T12:12:04-07:00">April 16th, 12:12pm</time><address><a>Ben Strauss</a>Ben Strauss is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a die-hard NFL fan who cheers for the Detroit Lions. He has previously written fantasy football content for IDPGuys and ImportantNonsense.com.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders have already had an exciting offseason, and the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/2025-nfl-draft-order-prospects-targets">2025 NFL Draft</a> is still about a week away. Las Vegas has overhauled the organization in just one offseason, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-las-vegas-pete-carroll-next-head-coach">hiring Pete Carroll as head coach</a> and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-shocking-geno-smith-trade-seahawks">trading for QB Geno Smith</a>. Now the Raiders are ready to add even more talent during the 2025 NFL Draft.</p><p>ESPN’s Ben Solak <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2025/insider/story/_/id/44668889/2025-nfl-draft-32-teams-positions-picks-grades-predictions-needs" rel="noopener">made a bold claim</a> about Las Vegas in a recent article. Solak suggested the possibility that the Raiders should pass on RB Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.</p><p>“They can [pass on Jeanty], because the biggest need on the roster is cornerback, and Will Johnson(Michigan) is staring them down — he might even be available with a small trade-back, if that suits their fancy,” Solak wrote on Wednesday.</p><p>The Raiders do have a terrible cornerback room. If the 2025 season started today, Las Vegas would start Jakorian Bennett, Decamerion Richardson, and Darnay Holmes at cornerback.</p><p>Will Johnson is one of the better cornerback prospects in this year’s draft class. However, it is hard to imagine the Raiders choosing him over a blue-chip talent like Jeanty.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/3-reasons-ashton-jeanty-is-perfect-raiders-fit-2025-nfl-draft">Jeanty is the perfect fit in a Raiders offense</a> that needs plenty of juice. Many NFL draft analysts are excited about the possibility of Jeanty landing in Vegas because of Pete Carroll’s history of establishing the run. In fact, Field Yates even suggested that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-rumors-insider-makes-ashton-jeanty-best-pro-bowl-chance-declaration">Jeanty could make the Pro Bowl as a rookie</a> if he lands with the Raiders.</p><p>If the Raiders pass on Jeanty, it would send shockwaves through the NFL.</p><h2><b>Can the Raiders draft Ashton Jeanty and upgrade their defense during the 2025 NFL Draft?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ashton-Jeanty-playing-for-Boise-State.jpg"><figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Raiders will certainly need to make a few concessions if they want to draft Ashton Jeanty. But will drafting Jeanty put the rest of the roster in jeopardy for the 2025 season?</p><p>Solak explained how the Raiders might be able to have their cake and eat it too.</p><p>“If Jeanty is the selection at No. 6, the Raiders must double-dip on Day 2 in the defensive backfield,” Solak wrote. “The good news is the second day of the draft is rife with starters in the secondary. Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina) has prototypical traits for a Pete Carroll corner, as does Darien Porter (Iowa State) at the Round 3/Round 4 turn. Nohl Williams (Cal) and Jacob Parrish (Kansas State) can both play the physical game required from NFL slots, while still bringing impactful coverage ability.”</p><p>Ultimately, the Raiders’ secondary is bad enough that adding one player like Will Johnson is not enough to fix it overnight.</p><p>Las Vegas would be wise to trust the wisdom of the crowd and draft a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/editorials/2025-nfl-draft-big-board-top-50-prospects">legitimate superstar in Ashton Jeanty</a>.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders rumors: The No. 6 pick that should be made over Ashton Jeanty

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/ranking-10-greatest-las-vegas-raiders-of-all-time');   ga('set', 'title', 'Ranking 10 greatest Raiders of all time');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ranking-10-greatest-Las-Vegas-Raiders-of-all-time.jpg"></figure><h1>Ranking 10 greatest Raiders of all time</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-15T14:25:52-07:00">April 15th, 2:25pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-15T14:31:52-07:00">April 15th, 2:31pm</time><address><a>Shane Shoemaker</a>Shane Shoemaker is an Associate Editor and Editorial writer for ClutchPoints, covering a wide range of sports and entertainment topics. Shane is a lifelong Tennessean yet refuses allegiance to any Tennessee-based teams. He's a graduate from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga with a BA in Communications/Journalism. There's a good chance he'll never let you forget the Atlanta Braves won the 2021 World Series.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Raiders franchise, with its origins in Oakland, moves to Los Angeles, and its current home in Las Vegas, is one of the most storied and iconic teams in NFL history. The franchise has fallen on hard times in recent years, but they’re looking to turn things around now with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-las-vegas-pete-carroll-next-head-coach">new coach Pete Carroll</a> and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-shocking-geno-smith-trade-seahawks">new quarterback Geno Smith</a>.</p><p>Historically known for their rebellious image and fierce competitiveness, the Raiders have had numerous legendary players don the silver and black. Just before the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/las-vegas-raiders-full-7-round-2025-nfl-draft-per-pfn-simulator">Raiders try to improve through the 2025 NFL Draft</a>, we rank the 10 greatest Raiders in team history.</p><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_21461635-scaled.jpg"><figcaption>Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><h2>10. <b>Tim Brown (WR, 1988-2003)</b></h2><p>Tim Brown, also known as “Mr. Raider,” is one of the most productive wide receivers in NFL history. Brown’s combination of speed, hands, and route-running ability made him a perennial Pro Bowl selection and a favorite target for Raiders quarterbacks over 16 seasons.</p><p>Brown’s career totals include 1,094 receptions for 14,934 yards and 100 touchdowns, which rank him among the all-time leaders in each category.</p><p>Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro. His ability to consistently perform at a high level and his longevity with the franchise make him a true Raiders legend. Brown’s impact was recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015, cementing his status as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.</p><h2>9. <b>Art Shell (OT, 1968-1982)</b></h2><p>Art Shell was a dominant force on the Raiders’ offensive line for 15 seasons. Known for his strength, technique, and leadership, Shell protected the quarterback’s blind side and paved the way for the Raiders’ powerful running game.</p><p>Shell was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro, anchoring the offensive line during the Raiders’ Super Bowl victories in 1976 and 1980.</p><p>Shell’s contributions extended beyond his playing career, as he later became the first African-American head coach in the modern NFL when he took the reins of the Raiders in 1989. Shell’s impact on the game and the Raiders franchise was profound, earning him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.</p><h2>8. <b>Jim Otto (C, 1960-1974)</b></h2><p>Jim Otto was the epitome of durability and excellence, anchoring the Raiders’ offensive line for 15 seasons. Known for his toughness and consistency, Otto played in every game of his career, earning 12 Pro Bowl selections and 10 All-Pro honors. Otto’s leadership and skill were instrumental in establishing the Raiders’ dominance in the AFL and later the NFL.</p><p>Otto’s impact on the game was significant, as he set the standard for excellence at the center position. His contributions to the Raiders franchise and the game of football were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. Otto’s legacy as one of the greatest centers in NFL history remains secure.</p><h2>7. <b>Fred Biletnikoff (WR, 1965-1978)</b></h2><p>Fred Biletnikoff was known for his precise route running and exceptional hands, making him one of the most reliable receivers of his era. Over his 14-year career with the Raiders, Biletnikoff recorded 589 receptions for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns. His ability to make clutch catches in critical moments earned him the nickname “Freddy B.”</p><p>Biletnikoff was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro. He played a crucial role in the Raiders’ Super Bowl XI victory, earning MVP honors for his performance.</p><p>Biletnikoff’s contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.</p><h2>6. <b>Ken Stabler (QB, 1970-1979)</b></h2><p>Ken “The Snake” Stabler was the quintessential Raiders quarterback, known for his cool demeanor and ability to make <a href="https://youtu.be/mocXKS19FfQ?si=jRzrzsZJ8S51HwUh" rel="noopener">big plays</a> in pressure situations. Stabler led the Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory in the 1976 season, earning NFL MVP honors that same year.</p><p>He threw for 19,078 yards and 150 touchdowns during his time with the Raiders, becoming one of the most beloved figures in franchise history.</p><p>Stabler’s leadership and clutch performances endeared him to Raiders fans and teammates alike. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and an All-Pro in 1974.</p><p>Stabler’s contributions to the game and his impact on the Raiders franchise were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.</p><h2>5. <b>Howie Long (DE, 1981-1993)</b></h2><p>Howie Long was a dominant defensive end who anchored the Raiders’ defensive line for over a decade. Known for his strength, quickness, and versatility, Long was a disruptive force against both the run and the pass. He recorded 84 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, and numerous tackles for loss during his career.</p><p>Long was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time All-Pro. He played a key role in the Raiders’ Super Bowl XVIII victory, solidifying his reputation as one of the most feared defenders of his era.</p><p>Long’s contributions to the game and the Raiders franchise earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. His post-playing career as a popular broadcaster has kept him in the public eye, further cementing his legacy.</p><h2>4. <b>Willie Brown (CB, 1967-1978)</b></h2><p>Willie Brown was one of the most dominant cornerbacks of his era, known for his exceptional coverage skills and ability to make big plays. Over his 12-year career with the Raiders, Brown recorded 39 interceptions, including a memorable <a href="https://youtu.be/ZjKwZOFoG5M?si=R3HEeEtixNGm9Zek" rel="noopener">pick-six in Super Bowl XI</a>. His ability to shut down opposing receivers made him a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense.</p><p>Brown was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-Pro. His leadership and playmaking ability were instrumental in the Raiders’ success during the 1970s. Brown’s contributions to the game and the Raiders franchise were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984. His legacy as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history remains secure.</p><h2>3. <b>Ted Hendricks (LB, 1975-1983)</b></h2><p>Ted Hendricks, known as “The Mad Stork,” was one of the most versatile and impactful linebackers in NFL history. Standing at 6’7″, Hendricks used his height, intelligence, and athleticism to dominate opponents. Over his nine seasons with the Raiders, Hendricks was a key player in their defense, contributing to three Super Bowl victories (XI, XV, and XVIII).</p><p>Hendricks recorded 26 interceptions, 16 fumble recoveries, and numerous tackles for loss and sacks, although the latter were not officially statistics for much of his career. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-Pro.</p><p>Hendricks’ ability to disrupt the opposing offense, whether in pass coverage or rushing the passer, made him a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense for all three championship teams. His contributions to the game and the Raiders franchise earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history.</p><h2>2. <b>Marcus Allen (RB, 1982-1992)</b></h2><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="instagram-media"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZz6fHOpCWG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="display: flex;"><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div><div style="display: flex;"><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div><div style="display: flex; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div><div></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div><div style="display: flex; margin-bottom: 24px;"><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div><p></p></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZz6fHOpCWG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by The Heisman Trophy Trust (@heismantrophy)</a></p></div></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>Marcus Allen was one of the most versatile and productive running backs in NFL history. Known for his vision, agility, and ability to make big plays in critical moments, Allen amassed 8,545 rushing yards, 4,258 receiving yards, and 145 total touchdowns during his time with the Raiders. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro.</p><p>Allen played a key role in the Raiders’ Super Bowl XVIII victory, earning MVP honors for his performance, which included an iconic 74-yard touchdown run. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver made him a dynamic offensive weapon.</p><p>Allen’s contributions to the game and the Raiders franchise earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.</p><h2>1. <b>Gene Upshaw (G, 1967-1981)</b></h2><p>Gene Upshaw was a cornerstone of the Raiders’ offensive line for 15 seasons. Known for his power, technique, and leadership, Upshaw helped pave the way for some of the most potent offenses in NFL history. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a five-time All-Pro, playing a crucial role in the Raiders’ Super Bowl victories in 1976 and 1980.</p><p>Upshaw’s impact on the game extended beyond his playing career, as he later became the executive director of the NFL Players Association, where he played a key role in shaping labor relations in the league.</p><p>Upshaw’s contributions to the game and the Raiders franchise were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.</p><h2>Honorable Mentions</h2><p>While the above 10 players could have easily been reshuffled and been just as good, the Raiders history is filled with some of the NFL’s greatest players. Here are several others throughout the team’s long history that could just as well be in any other Top 10 list.</p><ul><li><b>Bo Jackson (RB, 1987-1990):</b> Although his career was brief, Jackson’s electrifying performances and dual-sport legacy left a lasting impact on the Raiders and the NFL.</li><li><b>Dave Casper (TE, 1974-1980, 1984):</b> Casper was a reliable target and key contributor to the Raiders’ offense, known for his clutch performances, including the famous “Ghost to the Post” play.</li><li><b>Ray Guy (P, 1973-1986):</b> Guy is widely regarded as one of the greatest punters in NFL history. His ability to change field position with his powerful and precise punts revolutionized the position.</li><li><b>Cliff Branch (WR, 1972-1985):</b> Branch was a speedy wide receiver who stretched defenses and made big plays, helping the Raiders to three Super Bowl victories.</li><li><b>Jack Tatum (S, 1971-1979):</b> Known for his hard-hitting style, Tatum was a feared safety who anchored the Raiders’ secondary and was a key part of their defensive success in the 1970s.</li><li><b>Derek Carr (QB, 2014-2022):</b> Carr is far and away the franchise’s all-time leading passer with 35,222 yards and 217 TDs.</li></ul><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Ranking 10 greatest Raiders of all time

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-super-bowl-champion-father-qb-brothers-dies-7');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders Super Bowl champion, father of QB brothers dies at 70');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Matt-Hasselbeck.jpg"><figcaption>Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders Super Bowl champion, father of QB brothers dies at 70</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-15T07:45:57-07:00">April 15th, 7:45am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-15T07:45:57-07:00">April 15th, 7:45am</time><address><a>Jaren Kawada</a>Jaren Kawada is a former full-time sports bettor and is now a NFL, College Football and Betting Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. Kawada was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, but now resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, after graduating from Butler University with a B.A. in sports media. Aside from football, Kawada is an avid combat sports and basketball bettor.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The NFL world lost another great former champion on Monday, this time from the Las Vegas Raiders family. After suffering a cardiac arrest at his home, former tight end Don Hasselbeck, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/greatest-nfl-father-son-duos">father of former quarterbacks Matt and Tim Hasselbeck</a>, passed at the age of 70.</p><p>Matt Hasselbeck <a href="https://x.com/Hasselbeck/status/1911952513030590820" rel="noopener">reported the news</a> of his father’s passing on X, formerly Twitter. The longtime quarterback penned a heartfelt tribute to his father in the message, calling him a “great husband, father, grandfather, friend, coach, player, coworker, artist, mentor and storyteller.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our father, Don Hasselbeck, who suffered cardiac arrest and passed away today. We want to thank our parents’ neighbors and all the medical professionals who came  to his aid. </p><p>He was a great husband, father, grandfather,… <a href="https://t.co/16WKtXHZYj">pic.twitter.com/16WKtXHZYj</a></p><p>— Matt Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hasselbeck/status/1911952513030590820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>After a decorated four-year career at Colorado, the New England Patriots took Don Hasselbeck in the second round of the 1977 NFL Draft. He would spend the first six years of his career with the Patriots, breaking through in 1981 with a career-high 808 receiving yards. In 1983, New England traded the tight end to the Los Angeles Raiders midseason, where he would end the year by helping the team win Super Bowl XVIII.</p><p>The 1984 Super Bowl was the second in franchise history but the first and only while known as the Los Angeles Raiders. The team claimed Super Bowl XI and XV as the Oakland Raiders and has not won a championship since.</p><p>Though he would end his career just two years later, Don Hasselbeck’s career legacy would be carried on through his sons. Matt Hasselbeck graced the NFL in 1998, with Tim Hasselbeck joining him in the league three years later. Neither entered the league as high draft picks, but Matt went on to enjoy a 17-year career, including nearly a decade as the Seattle Seahawks’ starter. Both sons went on to work for ESPN after their playing career ended, with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/tim-hasselbecks-shedeur-sanders-comparison-will-anger-colorado-fans">Tim still on the staff</a> as an analyst.</p><p>After hanging up the cleats, Don Hasselbeck spent most of his time focusing on life as a father and husband up until his death. According to Matt Hasselbeck’s farewell post, he also spent time exploring his passion for art. While performing as an All-Big 8 tight end on the field, Don graduated with a degree in fine arts from Colorado.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders Super Bowl champion, father of QB brothers dies at 70

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-maxx-crosby-history-new-eastern-michigan-gm-title');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders’ Maxx Crosby makes history with new Eastern Michigan GM title');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Las-Vegas-Raiders-DE-Maxx-Crosby_77245f.jpg"></figure><h1>Raiders’ Maxx Crosby makes history with new Eastern Michigan GM title</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-14T13:47:33-07:00">April 14th, 1:47pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-14T13:47:33-07:00">April 14th, 1:47pm</time><address><a href="https://matthew516sports.substack.com/">Douglas Fritz</a>Douglas Fritz has been writing about sports for almost four decades and publishes a Christian sports newsletter and podcast on Substack at Matthew516Sports. He started as a reporter for the student newspaper at East Tennessee State University, worked his way up to Editor-In-Chief, and began his sports writing career at the Johnson City Press daily newspaper while still in college. During 30-plus years at the Press, he covered University of Tennessee football, men's and women's basketball, ETSU athletics, and high school athletics. Among the people he has interviewed are Dale Murphy, Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, and Bruce Smith. He is also a Christian-based screenwriter (five feature-length and one short), book writer (three completed manuscripts and one novel), and songwriter.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>It’s looking like the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/3-reasons-ashton-jeanty-is-perfect-raiders-fit-2025-nfl-draft">Las Vegas Raiders might choose a running back</a> in Round 1 of the draft. But they haven’t been <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-rumors-insider-makes-qb-draft-trade-prediction">ruled out of the quarterback conversation yet</a>. As for the current roster, Maxx Crosby made history with the new Eastern Michigan <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1911841920566939965" rel="noopener">general manager title</a>.</p><p>The news came via a post on X by Adam Schefter.</p><p><i>Raiders standout pass rusher @CrosbyMaxx is being named the Assistant General Manager for Football at Eastern Michigan University. Crosby becomes the first active NFL player to hold the position. He now will help Eastern Michigan evaluate high school and portal prospects, manage its NIL budget, and also serve as Special Assistant to the AD on fundraising, alumni relations and student-athlete support.</i></p><p>Now, how an NFL goes about all of those duties while still chasing quarterbacks remains to be seen.</p><h2><b>Raiders DE Maxx Crosby expanding horizons</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Las-Vegas-Raiders-DE-Maxx-Crosby.jpg"><figcaption>Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Raiders scooped up Crosby as a fourth-round pick from Eastern Michigan in 2018. He hit for 27 sacks over the 2022 and 2023 seasons combined and has been chosen to the Pro Bowl for four straight years.</p><p>In the offseason, Crosby racked up a three-year, $106.5 million extension. The $35.5 million-per-year new-money average briefly made Crosby the <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-pro-bowl-de-maxx-crosby-becomes-eastern-michigan-football-assistant-general-manager" rel="noopener">highest-paid non-quarterback</a> in the NFL, according to nfl.com.</p><p>Crosby said he’s excited about <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/maxx-crosby-named-eastern-michigan-football-assistant-g-m" rel="noopener">the new gig</a>, according to nbcsports.com.</p><p>“There is no place more important to my personal and athletic development than Eastern Michigan University,” Crosby said in a statement released by EMU. “It truly is an honor for me to not only be named the Assistant GM of the EMU, but together with my wife Rachel, make another donation aimed at creating opportunities for other athletes to be impacted by the EMU program, community, students, and alumni.”</p><p>EMU seems to share his excitement.</p><p>“It’s always special when former players return to be part of our staff, and this is truly a full-circle moment,” EMU head coach Chris Creighton said in a statement. “There’s something powerful about staying in one place and building something meaningful over time — Maxx is a shining example. He has already positively impacted our program, and now we’re taking it to another level. His passion for mentoring and developing our players is inspiring.”</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raiders’ Maxx Crosby makes history with new Eastern Michigan GM title

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/3-reasons-ashton-jeanty-is-perfect-raiders-fit-2025-nfl-draft');   ga('set', 'title', '3 reasons Ashton Jeanty is perfect Raiders fit in 2025 NFL Draft');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/e227f9f6-15bc-11f0-b0fc-0242ac120003.jpeg"></figure><h1>3 reasons Ashton Jeanty is perfect Raiders fit in 2025 NFL Draft</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-13T19:21:16-07:00">April 13th, 7:21pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-13T19:21:16-07:00">April 13th, 7:21pm</time><address><a href="http://hoopnut.blogspot.com/">Enzo Flojo</a>Enzo Flojo is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints and a columnist for Asian basketball at FIBA. He brings a dynamic spirit and background, having expertise that spans writing, analytics, coaching, and broadcasting. He is also currently an Assistant Coach on Scouting &amp; Analytics for the Philippine national youth basketball team.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders made several significant moves in the 2025 NFL offseason aimed at positioning themselves for a more successful 2025 campaign. After upgrading their quarterback position, adding key players to both their offensive and defensive units, and enhancing their offensive line, the Raiders now face a critical need. They are looking for a dynamic, game-changing running back. Enter Ashton Jeanty. Fresh off a record-breaking season in college football, Jeanty is an ideal fit for the Raiders’ run-focused offense under head coach Pete Carroll. Here’s why Jeanty should be at the top of their draft wish list.</p><h2>Raiders’ 2025 Free Agency and Draft Needs</h2><p>It has been a transformative offseason for the Raiders. This is especially true <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/raiders-news-pete-carroll-makes-thoughts-clear-immediate-las-vegas-goal">with the hire of Carroll</a> as head coach. His reunion with former quarterback Geno Smith via trade <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/raiders-news-geno-smith-eye-opening-take-prove-sundays">has brought a semblance of stability</a> to the quarterback position. However, his performance in Seattle was inconsistent. Recall that his QB+ grades never exceeded a C+, highlighting his limited potential.</p><p>The addition of guard Alex Cappa bolsters the offensive line. That said, this move feels more like a lateral shift than an improvement for a unit that ranked 22nd last season. The losses of key players like Tre’von Moehrig, Robert Spillane, Nate Hobbs, and Jack Jones, though, leave the defense thinner. Sure, securing Maxx Crosby’s future <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/raiders-news-maxx-crosby-tom-brady-influence-contract-decision">was a positive step</a>. However, overall, the team’s roster doesn’t feel markedly better than it was at the end of the 2024 season.</p><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Maxx-Crosby-celebrates-sober-anniversary-after-historic-contract-extension.jpg"></figure><h2>The Raiders’ Struggles with the Running Game</h2><p>The Raiders’ running game was a major liability in 2024. They finished dead last in the league with a paltry 85.6 rushing yards per game. This lack of production not only hindered their ability to sustain drives. It also placed undue pressure on their passing attack. Yes, the team made strides in other areas. That said, the absence of a reliable and explosive running back significantly contributed to their inability to compete consistently. This makes addressing the running back position a priority. Ashton Jeanty stands out as a perfect solution to this glaring need.</p><p>Here we’ll try to look at the three reasons why Ashton Jeanty is the perfect Las Vegas Raiders fit in the 2025 NFL Draft.</p><h2>1. Outstanding Production and Versatility</h2><p>Jeanty delivered an extraordinary <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ashton-jeanty-1.html">performance in the 2024 season</a> at Boise State. He rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries. He also averaged an impressive 7.0 yards per attempt. Jeanty became just one of three players in the last two decades to surpass 2,400 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in a single season. That places him in elite company. He also demonstrated his versatility by adding 23 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown in the passing game. His ability to excel both on the ground and through the air would give the Raiders the dynamic dual-threat running back they desperately need.</p><p>Jeanty’s blend of speed, vision, and tackle-breaking power makes him adaptable to a variety of offensive schemes. His all-around skill set would be particularly valuable in an offense that utilizes both running and passing plays.</p><h2>2. Ideal Fit for Pete Carroll’s Run-First Approach</h2><p>Head coach Pete Carroll has long built his offenses around a strong running game. That philosophy has been key to the success of his teams. The Raiders have made it clear they are embracing a similar approach. As such, Jeanty would be a perfect match for this system. His combination of power and ability to gain yards after contact positions him as a natural fit for leading the Raiders’ rushing attack. Furthermore, Jeanty’s proficiency in blocking and his ability to contribute in the passing game would make him effective in any down-and-distance situation.</p><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Boise-State-football-running-back-Ashton-Jeanty.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h2>3. Immediate Contribution to the Raiders’ Offense</h2><p>Adding Jeanty to the Raiders’ offensive roster would have an immediate and substantial impact. His presence would not only improve the running game. He would also serve as a reliable outlet in the passing attack. With Smith now leading the offense, Jeanty’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and gain positive yards in short-yardage situations would be invaluable.</p><p>Again, considering the Raiders finished 2024 with the worst rushing attack in the NFL, bringing in a talent like Jeanty would significantly boost their offensive production. His ability to churn out yards and break off big runs would provide the Raiders with a much-needed spark.</p><h2>Potentially Transofrmative</h2><p>Ashton Jeanty stands out as the ideal pick for the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft. His exceptional production, versatility, and fit within Pete Carroll’s run-first philosophy would provide an immediate upgrade to a team that desperately needs to address its struggles in the running game. Jeanty’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense — from grinding out tough yards on the ground to catching passes in the air — makes him a game-changing weapon that could elevate the Raiders’ offense to new heights. With his dynamic skill set and ability to make an instant impact, Jeanty could be the key piece that helps the Raiders return to relevance in the highly competitive AFC. Selecting Jeanty in the draft would not only address a critical need but could also set the stage for a more balanced and explosive offense in 2025.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

3 reasons Ashton Jeanty is perfect Raiders fit in 2025 NFL Draft

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/las-vegas-raiders-perfect-2025-nfl-draft-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'Las Vegas Raiders’ perfect 2025 NFL Draft trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Las-Vegas-Raiders-perfect-2025-NFL-Draft-trade.jpg"></figure><h1>Las Vegas Raiders’ perfect 2025 NFL Draft trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-13T14:45:51-07:00">April 13th, 2:45pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-14T14:47:23-07:00">April 14th, 2:47pm</time><address><a>Lorenzo J Reyna</a>Lorenzo J Reyna has joined ClutchPoints as Associate Editor of NFL &amp; NCAA Football. He's equipped with past experience for both realms through his recent stops at Pro Football Network and Heavy while also writing for 247Sports. His Twitter/X handle is @LJ_Reyna and his Instagram is @lj_zo_rey.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Las Vegas Raiders come with two options ahead of the April 24 NFL Draft. Stay idle at sixth overall or send shockwaves across the league and trade up in the draft.</p><p>This is the first major April decision involving the new trio of John Spytek, Pete Carroll, and Tom Brady, all as the new general manager, head coach and co-owner collaboration in Vegas. We’re swinging toward the theory the Raiders will pull off a trade.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-rumors-insider-makes-qb-draft-trade-prediction">Aidan O’Connell is rumored to become a draft day trade</a> already. We’re also believing the Raiders will get aggressive and attempt to make a splash move now that there’s new leadership in place.</p><p>The Raiders need to pull off a move that speaks to how serious they are about changing the culture. Here’s what we’re thinking in coming up with the perfect draft trade for the Raiders.</p><h2><b>Raiders hold off on trading Aidan O’Connell but move inside Top 5</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Aidan-O-Connell-running.jpg"><figcaption>Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>O’Connell won’t be a Day 1 draft trade, not with a 7-10 overall mark as a starter. He’s likely not going to command significant attention.</p><p>But instead, Carroll convinces the Raiders to get aggressive and pull off this decision to galvanize the franchise: Vegas moves to No. 2 in a deal with the Cleveland Browns.</p><p>The AFC North franchise trades down to six plus gains the Raiders’ No. 37 pick and lands next year’s 2026 first-rounder. The Silver and Black then grabs Travis Hunter in return as part of this deal.</p><p>The Browns are in no dire need of a quarterback with Joe Flacco recently re-added and DeShaun Watson back. That rules out O’Connell becoming a part of this deal. Cleveland GM Andrew Berry instead goes after draft capital in this decision.</p><p>He receives a second selection in Round 2, then gets assurance Cleveland receives an additional first-rounder for April 2026. Vegas, meanwhile, relinquishes its second-rounder to sweeten the deal. But this is still a trade capable of changing the Raiders’ fortunes.</p><h2><b>Raiders land epic game-changing talent to bolster 2 needed areas</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Travis-Hunter-at-Colorado-NFL-pro-day.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Raiders are entering the draft needing wide receiver help. They also have lacked a consistent playmaking cornerback for a while. Hunter bolsters both spots — as college football fans watched him dominate both positions weekly.</p><p>This move also gives the Raiders Charles Woodson flashbacks. Woodson entered the league delivering his own receiving/defending prowess. The future Hall of Famer ultimately settled for cornerback. Yet the Raiders used his versatility early. Woodson emerged as one of the more dominating Raiders performers and now has a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.</p><p>New Raiders quarterback Geno Smith gets a much-needed playmaker to throw to. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham even gets a game-changing CB capable of becoming the new Woodson. The Raiders, overall, spark new intrigue from the fan base by landing Hunter in this scenario.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/las-vegas-raiders-full-7-round-2025-nfl-draft-per-pfn-simulator">Hunter previously got plugged to the Raiders at sixth</a> in a mock draft. But it’s unlikely Hunter will drop all the way to No. 6. The Colorado and Jackson State star isn’t expected to land lower than fifth overall. Rhett Lewis of the NFL Network also calls for the Raiders <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/rhett-lewis-2025-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-raiders-trade-up-for-travis-hunter-saints-select-shedeur-sanders" rel="noopener">to pull this off in his mock draft</a>.</p><p>If Spytek and Brady dial up a trade, this looks like the perfect one. Hunter gives Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix a new CB to worry about in the AFC West and gives defenses someone to stay up all night for in wondering how to counter Hunter. This is a perfect roll of the dice in a city known for gambling.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Las Vegas Raiders’ perfect 2025 NFL Draft trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-rumors-insider-makes-qb-draft-trade-prediction');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raiders rumors: Insider makes QB draft trade prediction');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Aidan-OConnell-throwing.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raiders rumors: Insider makes QB draft trade prediction</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-13T13:55:40-07:00">April 13th, 1:55pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-13T14:42:25-07:00">April 13th, 2:42pm</time><address><a>Lorenzo J Reyna</a>Lorenzo J Reyna has joined ClutchPoints as Associate Editor of NFL &amp; NCAA Football. He's equipped with past experience for both realms through his recent stops at Pro Football Network and Heavy while also writing for 247Sports. His Twitter/X handle is @LJ_Reyna and his Instagram is @lj_zo_rey.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Las Vegas Raiders</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Could Tom Brady shake up the 2025 NFL Draft by pulling off a trade? One insider delivered the stirring prediction the Las Vegas Raiders will be making trade calls. Which alters the future of past starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-shocking-geno-smith-trade-seahawks">The Raiders already added Geno Smith via trade</a> with the Seattle Seahawks. That March 13 move has Smith lined up as QB1 ahead of the 2025 season. Plus reunites the Pro Bowl QB with Raiders head coach Pete Carroll. But leaves O’Connell as the odd man out.</p><p>Now, Vic Tafur of The Athletic believes the 2023 fourth-rounder <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6268381/2025/04/11/geno-smith-nfl-draft-raiders-mailbag/" rel="noopener">is on his way out</a> of Vegas. Tafur wrote Sunday that the Silver and Black will lean towards taking a younger QB during draft weekend — sparking an O’Connell trade.</p><p>“New minority owner Tom Brady likes the idea of rookie quarterbacks sitting and soaking it all in, and there are some interesting options even in what is a down year in the draft for QBs,” Tafur said.</p><h2><b>Who can Raiders trade up for in NFL Draft?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Quinn-Ewers-of-Texas-1.jpg"><figcaption>Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Now comes who would swoop up O’Connell. The ex-Purdue star has tallied 3,830 yards, 20 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. O’Connell has solid stats that speak to him fitting elsewhere. His sub .500 record (7-10 overall as a starter) is one of the only blemishes he has.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/raiders-news-las-vegas-shedeur-sanders-draft-visit-geno-smith-extension">Shedeur Sanders is a popular choice</a> for Raiders fans at No. 6. However, Tafur revealed this prediction involving the Colorado star and Vegas.</p><p>“Sanders doesn’t make a lot of sense at No. 6, and a surprising number of quarterbacks could be gone by the time the Raiders pick at 37,” Tafur said.</p><p>Tafur axed out names like Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss and Jalen Milroe of Alabama too as Raiders possibilities — calling both late first round options.</p><p>Tafur mentioned Quinn Ewers of Texas, Louisville’s Tyler Shough and maybe even Ohio State national champion Will Howard as options in Rounds 2 and 3. He’s higher on the first QB mentioned of the trio.</p><p>“I have been a little critical of Ewers for his lack of consistency and vision. But he has the size and arm talent you want, some nice road wins at Alabama and Michigan the last two years and played hurt last season,” Tafur said.</p><p>Regardless, O’Connell faces a nebulous future in Vegas. Clearing the way for a newcomer.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

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