Former GM backs the Raiders to improve next season
Former Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock has backed the team to bounce back from a miserable 2024 season in the National Football League (NFL).
The Raiders missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year after posting a disappointing 4-13 record in the AFC West.
However, with new head coach Pete Carroll set to introduce a more physical style of play, Maycock believes the Raiders can enjoy a productive 2025 campaign.
He told Betway Insider that he is impressed with the moves they have made during the off-season, particularly in the defensive unit.
“I really like how they have solidified and improved the defensive line, which might be one of the better ones in the league,” Maycock said. “You extend Maxx Crosby; we drafted a kid named Malcolm Koonce who had eight sacks two years ago and what was one of the rising young defensive ends in the NFL. “He got hurt last year, didn’t play, but they were able to sign him to a one-year, $12 million ‘prove it’ deal. This kid’s exciting. “If you pair him with Maxx and try and get something out of Tyree Wilson, that three-man rotation along with Christian Wilkins inside is outstanding. “I think their defensive line and ability to rush the quarterback in a division that has some tremendous quarterbacks is a really good place to start.”
The Raiders have also made moves to improve their attacking unit, most notably trading a third-round draft pick to the Seattle Seahawks for veteran quarterback Geno Smith.
While it would be fair to say that the 34-year-old is not a world-beater, he is undoubtedly an upgrade at quarterback.
He posted a winning record in the last three seasons with the Seahawks, and a similar outcome would be a step in the right direction for the team.
Since becoming the Raiders ‘ new signal-caller, Smith has talked with NFL legend Tom Brady, and tapping into his wealth of knowledge is a sensible move.
Acquiring Smith gives the Raiders more freedom to address other areas in their squad during the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
The Raiders own nine draft picks, including the sixth overall selection. Improving their running back options is a priority.
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has been touted as a potential option for the Raiders and Maycock believes he would be an ideal fit for the team.
“Pete always ran the football downhill, physically, and used play action with Russell Wilson (in Seattle), Maycock added. “That was their identity, so I love the Jeanty fit there.“They come back number thirty-four in the second round and have a wideout need. Emeka Egbuka or Luther Burden – one of those two guys might be there for them.“They also got beat up in free agency in the defensive backfield so they could use a corner.“Azareye’h Thomas from Florida State is a guy that I’m probably higher on than most people, and Trey Amos from Ole Miss are two logical guys who will be sitting there.”
