The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 Rookie Minicamp: A New Era Begins
in American Football
As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for their 2025 rookie minicamp, set to run from May 9-11, the air around the Intermountain Health Performance Center is electric with anticipation. This three-day event marks the first real glimpse of a franchise in transition, one that’s banking on a bold draft class and a fresh coaching vision to redefine its identity in the fiercely competitive AFC West. Under the stewardship of first-year general manager John Spytek and veteran head coach Pete Carroll, the Raiders are not just introducing rookies, they’re laying the foundation for a cultural and competitive resurgence.
The headliner of this rookie class is undoubtedly Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick and Heisman Trophy runner-up from Boise State. Jeanty, a running back with a rare blend of power, speed, and vision, is already being touted as a transformative force. His work ethic, forged through a nomadic upbringing that included a stint playing football in Italy, sets him apart. “Nobody’s going to outwork me, and nobody can stop me,” Jeanty declared, a mentality that aligns perfectly with the gritty, relentless “Raider brand of football” he’s eager to embody. With offensive coordinator Chip Kelly designing a scheme to maximize Jeanty’s dual-threat capabilities, expect the rookie to be the centerpiece of a run-heavy attack. Analysts like ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Matt Miller predict Jeanty will rack up touches early, potentially making him a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
But Jeanty isn’t the only rookie poised to make waves. The Raiders’ 11-player draft class, hailed by CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso as the NFL’s most impactful for 2025, is loaded with potential contributors. Wide receiver Jack Bech, a second-round pick, brings polished route-running and competitiveness that could see him start immediately. Offensive guard Caleb Rogers, with over 4,300 college snaps across multiple positions, offers versatility to bolster a line that’s been a weak point. Cornerback Darien Porter and defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway are names to watch on a defense that lost six starters this offseason, leaving gaps that need filling. Posts on X have buzzed about Porter, in particular, as a “hidden gem” who could turn heads with his athleticism and ball skills.
Beyond the draftees, the minicamp will showcase undrafted free agents and tryout players vying for a roster spot. Former UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams and Utah wide receiver Dorian Singer, a former All-Pac-12 performer, are among those looking to seize this opportunity. Singer’s invite, despite the NCAA denying him an extra year of eligibility, underscores Spytek’s commitment to scouring every avenue for talent. Georgia Tech center Weston Franklin also joins the mix, bringing multi-year starting experience to a line that needs depth. These under-the-radar prospects embody the minicamp’s essence: a proving ground where hunger and hustle can outshine pedigree.
For Carroll, now 73, this minicamp is more than a first look, it’s a chance to instill his high-energy, player-centric philosophy. His decision to join the Raiders signals no rebuild but a push for immediate competitiveness, especially after retaining defensive end Maxx Crosby and upgrading at quarterback. Yet, questions linger. Can a run-first approach, anchored by a rookie, thrive in a pass-heavy league? Will the defense, with its “large question mark” at inside linebacker and thin nickel cornerback depth, hold up? These are the narratives that will begin to unfold over three days of drills, meetings, and playbook immersion.
The Raiders’ 2025 rookie minicamp isn’t just about evaluating talent, it’s about setting a tone. With a fanbase starved for relevance and an organization desperate to escape the AFC West’s basement, these rookies carry the weight of expectation. Jeanty, Bech, and their peers have the tools to spark a turnaround, but it’s their ability to gel under Carroll’s veteran guidance that will determine how brightly this new era shines. As pads pop and playbooks open, the Silver and Black faithful will be watching, hoping this is the start of something special