Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Raiders Get 'Most Improved' Take From NFL Insider Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated May 23, 2025 4:38 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders made a series of intriguing changes to their franchise's coaching staff and roster this offseason with Pete Carroll entering the frey after a year off from coaching and new players added through the draft and other avenues.

The Raiders are expected to start steady veteran hand Geno Smith at the quarterback position and have penciled in Boise State rookie Ashton Jeanty at the running back position after Jeanty wowed fans and scouts during the draft combine process and rookie minicamp.

On Friday, an NFL insider revealed the top three reasons why the Raiders are being hyped as the league's most improved team headed toward fall camp.

"Let's go positive with this one, 'Most Likely to Improve,' the Las Vegas Raiders," NFL insider Bill Barnwell said on Friday.

"Because there's three things we see in teams who make massive year-to-year jumps, the Raiders hit all three.

"Obviously, upgrade at quarterback, they bring in Geno Smith, upgrade at coach, they bring in Pete Carroll, legendary Seahawks coach, and then something that didn't really go well for them last year that's going to improve, their fumble recovery rate," Barnwell added.

The Raiders only recovered 24% of the fumbles in their games last year, the lowest rate for any team since 2011, which Barnwell says will likely improve this season in Vegas.

"Might be tough to say playoff berth, but could they double their win total in improve in the AFC West? Absolutely," Barnwell added during a Sportscenter segment Friday.

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

More must-reads: