Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Raiders add UNLV product as an undrafted free agent

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 1:01 PM ET

It was a bit surprising that the Las Vegas Raiders did not come away with a talent out of their own backyard in the 2025 NFL Draft.

With the success the UNLV Rebels have enjoyed over the last couple of seasons, wide receiver Ricky White III and linebacker Jackson Woodard had to be on the Raiders’ radar. Instead, both are taking their talents to the Pacific Northwest with the Seattle Seahawks, while defensive back Johnathan Baldwin is off to the Green Bay Packers. The school ended its 15-year drought at the NFL Draft with White being taken in the seventh round, but it was expected that their local team would take more of an interest.

On Saturday, however, that has changed dramatically.

The Raiders have reportedly signed a savior of UNLV from last season.

According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Raiders are signing former Rebels quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams as an undrafted free agent.

#Raiders sign UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, per a league source

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 27, 2025

To say Williams saved the Rebels last season is not exactly hyperbole. After starting quarterback Matthew Sluka left the program after three games due to NIL disputes, Williams was called upon to steady the ship and keep UNLV’s aspirations for a promising season healthy. Fortunately for him and the Rebels, Williams performed this role admirably, showcasing his dual-threat ability to guide UNLV to the Mountain West conference championship game and the program’s first bowl victory since 2000 with a 24-13 win over the California Golden Bears in the LA Bowl.

While Williams deserves this opportunity to prove himself at the NFL level, where he will find himself at that stage is a bit trickier to determine.

The Raiders spent two sixth-round selections on Montana State’s Tommy Mellott and North Dakota State’s Cam Miller, and Geno Smith and Aidan O’Connell were already on the roster. Mellott is expected to transition over to wide receiver, but that still leaves the team with a full quarterback room, barring any trades. The lack of raw arm talent from Williams could also prove to be a hindrance, but his running upside that he flashed with the Rebels could give him some looks at running back to add depth to a backfield in need of options.

Williams was an unexpected hero for the Rebels last season, and the Raiders have now ensured his next chapter continues in Las Vegas.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: