Three underrated players with major roles for the Raiders in 2025

By now, the Las Vegas Raiders know who they are expecting to carry them through the 2025 season.

A healthy Maxx Crosby is hoping to get the defense back into form in 2025, while Brock Bowers is aiming to get even better after a record-breaking rookie season. Meanwhile, new additions such as quarterback Geno Smith and first-round rookie running back Ashton Jeanty should add new dimensions to the Raiders offense. However, a winning team has to be more than just their best players, and the Raiders will be looking for some contributions elsewhere in the lineup.

To that end, the team will be looking to several players to have successful seasons, including these three:

Jeremy Chinn

Chinn was the biggest free-agent signing of the offseason for the Raiders, and the former Washington Commanders safety will have to fill the role of Tre’Von Moehrig, who left for the Carolina Panthers.

Signing with Washington last offseason, Chinn went on to enjoy one of the most productive seasons in his career. He tied his career-high of 117 tackles, as well as setting a new personal best seven tackles for loss. Chinn showed great veteran leadership and versatility with the Commanders, doing his part towards an unexpected run to the NFC Championship Game.

With Chinn being the veteran presence in the Raiders secondary and questions around him on defense, he may have to do his part as a Swiss army knife in the secondary and make plays everywhere on the field.

Malcolm Koonce

Koonce was gearing up to improve on his breakout 2023 season, but a torn ACL ended his season before he even played a game.

Signing a one-year deal to return to Las Vegas this offseason, Koonce now comes in with the goal of proving he can continue his upward trajectory. He was far from the only defensive lineman to endure the injury bug, however, with Crosby and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins having their seasons cut short by injury, as well. Now part of a deeper and (hopefully) healthy defensive line, Koonce is hoping that he can create more havoc like he did two years ago and make life easier for his more accomplished teammates.

If Koonce is successful in this, it could lead to a larger payday next March.

Darnay Holmes

While rumors of the Raiders pursuing a true Nate Hobbs replacement at slot cornerback still linger, the team clearly sees something in Holmes that keeps them from pulling the trigger on a move.

Holmes had his fair share of struggles when pressed into action due to injuries in front of him, but that did not stop the Raiders from bringing him back for the upcoming season. With the team embracing a new look on defense, particularly in the secondary, Holmes stands out as one of a few remaining players who know defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s system. That familiarity might be what is keeping him in the lineup, and it appears as though Holmes will get the opportunity to turn a corner in his NFL career and emerge as a legitimate option.

The leash might be short, however, so Holmes will have to prove himself early on in the season to cement his spot in the lineup.