The Las Vegas Raiders, in their pursuit of establishing a winning culture, face a critical decision with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The selected player must be ready to contribute immediately, not necessarily as the franchise’s face, but as a significant asset. With Maxx Crosby, who recently signed a historic contract, now arguably the face of the Raiders, the team’s focus should be on strengthening the defense around him.
Their attempt to bolster the defense with the signing of Christian Wilkins last offseason was hampered by his injury, limiting him to just five games. NFL media analyst Charles Davis proposes a solution in his latest mock draft, suggesting the Raiders select defensive tackle Mason Graham from the University of Michigan.
Las Vegas Raiders Draft Top DL Talent
“New head coach Pete Carroll would be exuberant about this pick. Graham is a force who can pair with Christian Wilkins on the interior while freshly PAID edge rusher Maxx Crosby hunts on the outside,” Davis explained.
Graham, who declared for the NFL draft after a productive three-year collegiate career at Michigan, recorded 46 total tackles, one pass defended, and 3.5 sacks in 2024. This selection would hinge on the Raiders having clarity on their quarterback situation. While mock drafts vary, with some projecting Shedeur Sanders as the first overall pick and others predicting him to fall to the Raiders, quarterback remains a potential priority.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranks Graham as his top defensive tackle prospect and 4th best among all 2025 players.
“Graham naturally plays from a low position, which helps him score consistent wins in leverage through contact — he credits his championship-level wrestling background for his athletic twitch and understanding of angles,” Brugler writes. “He does need to develop his efficiency against doubles, but he violently sheds single blocks and plays the piano up and down the line with outstanding chase effort.”
However, should the Raiders address their quarterback needs in free agency, drafting Graham could transform their defense into a formidable unit. The combined pressure of Crosby, Wilkins, and Graham would pose a significant challenge to opposing offensive lines, potentially turning the Raiders’ pass rush into a dominant force.