2025 NFL Mock: Chiefs And Raiders Scenarios

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Post on Dec 24, 2024

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2025 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs and Raiders Scenarios – A West Coast Showdown?

The 2024 NFL season is still unfolding, brimming with unexpected twists and turns. But even with the uncertainty of the present, prognosticators are already peering into the future, crafting mock drafts for the 2025 NFL Draft. This piece focuses specifically on two AFC West rivals: the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders, exploring potential scenarios for each team in this hypothetical draft. We'll examine their current roster needs, projected draft positions, and the potential impact of the 2024 season on their draft strategy.

The Kansas City Chiefs: Dynasty in Peril or Continued Reign?

The Chiefs, under the leadership of Patrick Mahomes, have established themselves as a dynasty. However, even dynasties face challenges. Their success hinges on several factors, including Mahomes' continued excellence, the performance of their supporting cast, and shrewd draft selections.

2025 Projected Needs: While the Chiefs are currently stacked in key areas, their future needs are dependent on several variables. The upcoming season's performance will be crucial in determining their needs. Potential areas needing attention in 2025 include:

• Offensive Line Depth: Protecting Mahomes is paramount. While the Chiefs have solid starters, adding depth along the offensive line is always a smart strategy. Injuries can derail even the best teams, and a strong offensive line is the backbone of a successful offense.
• Defensive Line Reinforcements: The Chiefs' defensive line requires consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Adding young, explosive talent through the draft would bolster their pass rush and improve their overall defensive performance. This is a crucial area for improvement given the wear and tear of a long season.
• Wide Receiver Depth (Long-Term): While Travis Kelce remains a force, the Chiefs will eventually need to plan for his eventual retirement. Adding a young wide receiver with high potential could ensure a smooth transition and maintain the offensive potency.

2025 Mock Draft Scenario (Assuming a late first-round pick):

In this scenario, we assume the Chiefs have a late first-round pick due to their continued success. This would allow them to address one of their needs mentioned above.

Round 1, Pick 28: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU (or similar player profile): This pick prioritizes bolstering the pass rush. Ojulari possesses the athleticism and pass-rushing skills to make an immediate impact. Adding an edge rusher complements their existing talent and fills a crucial need for a consistent pass rush.

Round 2, Pick 50: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa (if available): Given the importance of interior offensive line depth, a center with Linderbaum's pedigree is a valuable asset. He can contribute immediately, providing competition and improving the overall interior line. He could be a future starter or a dependable backup.

Round 3, Pick 82: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas (or similar player profile): This pick focuses on adding long-term receiver depth. Worthy, known for his speed and playmaking ability, could develop into a consistent target for Mahomes, eventually filling the void left by a potential retirement of a veteran receiver.

The Las Vegas Raiders: Rebuilding or Breakthrough?

The Raiders are in a more complex situation than the Chiefs. Their future prospects heavily depend on the success of their current rebuild. The upcoming season will be critical in determining their direction.

2025 Projected Needs: The Raiders' needs are likely to be more widespread than the Chiefs, reflecting their rebuilding phase:

• Quarterback: This is arguably their most significant need. While they may have a temporary solution in place, long-term stability at the quarterback position is essential for a successful franchise.
• Offensive Line: Similar to the Chiefs, a strong offensive line is crucial for the Raiders' success. Investing in this area is vital, regardless of their quarterback situation.
• Defensive Talent Across the Board: The Raiders' defense needs significant upgrades across multiple positions. They likely need to add talent at all levels of the defense, from the defensive line to the secondary.

2025 Mock Draft Scenario (Assuming a top 10 pick):

This scenario assumes a poor 2024 season for the Raiders, resulting in a top 10 draft pick.

Round 1, Pick 7: Caleb Williams, QB, USC (or similar top QB prospect): This pick is a no-brainer. Securing a franchise quarterback is paramount for the Raiders' long-term success. Williams' skillset makes him an ideal candidate to lead their offense.

Round 2, Pick 38: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern (or similar player profile): Adding a high-level offensive tackle to protect their newly drafted quarterback is crucial. Skoronski's potential and experience make him a valuable addition to the offensive line.

Round 3, Pick 70: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois (or similar player profile): Adding talent to the secondary is vital for the Raiders. A cornerback with Witherspoon's skillset would immediately improve their pass defense.

Conclusion: A West Coast Battleground

The 2025 NFL Draft presents different challenges and opportunities for both the Chiefs and the Raiders. The Chiefs, while facing the pressure of maintaining their dynasty, will likely target specific position needs to bolster their existing strengths. The Raiders, on the other hand, face a more significant rebuilding project, focusing on drafting foundational players, particularly at quarterback and along their offensive and defensive lines. The outcome of the 2024 season will drastically shape the 2025 draft landscape for both teams, potentially setting the stage for another intense AFC West rivalry in the years to come. This mock draft is merely a glimpse into the possibilities; the actual draft will undoubtedly present unforeseen twists and turns, adding to the excitement and intrigue of the NFL draft process.