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Las Vegas Raiders Already Expected To Struggle In 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Taylor Hartman | Last updated Dec 27, 2024 6:49 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders are currently 3-12 this season with two games left. After their win last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team fell out of the top five of the NFL draft order, which could come back to haunt them next season if nothing changes.

According to a recent ranking by Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine, if the Raiders cannot draft a good quarterback in 2025, they will most likely have another season of struggles. On top of that harsh reality, the Raiders were also tabbed as a "multiyear project." Las Vegas has been the heavy favorite to land Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders or Miami quarterback Cam Ward, but if their current draft position holds, it is unlikely they will be able to snag one of them.

"Their chances of fixing their need issues at the game's most important position took a hit when they won last week against the Jaguars and went from having a top-two pick all but wrapped up to currently picking sixth," wrote Ballentine. "If the Raiders can't land Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, it becomes a harder sell that they'll be much better in 2025."

Head coach Antonio Pierce's job security is also in question going into the offseason. In his first year as the team's permanent head coach, Pierce has not been able to turn his team around for the better, and has made some questionable calls that heave caused the Raiders to lose key games.

However, it may be difficult to find a solid head coach this offseason, and the familiarity of how Pierce runs the team may actually benefit them if he remains with the team.

There are still two games left to play in the regular season, so Las Vegas still has a chance to climb back into the top five of the draft order. Their best bet is to either draft Sanders or Ward with their pick, and go out and grab other positions of need in free agency.

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

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