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2025 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders Say Goodbye to Gardner Minshew, Three QBs Land in Top 10; Bears and Steelers Hunt for WR Gems

2024-09-25

As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, the Las Vegas Raiders face an undeniable reality: they are in urgent need of a franchise quarterback. Following a dominant performance where they conquered the Ravens with a stunning 38-point outburst, their vulnerabilities were exposed with a shocking loss to the struggling Panthers. This game highlighted that Gardner Minshew, while a commendable player, is not the long-term solution the franchise requires.

Rumors have circulated about the Raiders' interest in Jayden Daniels from Arizona State, largely due to his connection with head coach Antonio Pierce. However, their bid to secure a higher draft pick that could have allowed them to snag Daniels didn’t materialize. Thus, they continue with Minshew and Aidan O'Connell, a second-year quarterback, as their leads on the field—neither of whom have convincingly demonstrated they can elevate the team’s performance to contender status.

In contrast, the Jaguars, whose future seems more secure with Trevor Lawrence under contract until 2030, are presently navigating their own challenges. Despite Lawrence being a former No. 1 overall pick, questions linger. In recent weeks, their defense has struggled considerably, particularly evident in their embarrassing defeat against the Bills. With key players like Tyson Campbell and Darnell Savage sidelined, it’s clear the Jaguars urgently need to fortify their secondary. This leads to an intriguing possibility: Michigan standout Will Johnson, a first-team All-American, could be the answer. With impressive stats including two pick-sixes and three defended passes in just four games, he embodies the kind of elite talent the Jaguars desperately require.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys’ defense has faced its share of troubles, particularly against the run, as shown by their humbling experience against the Ravens where they surrendered a staggering 274 rushing yards. It's painfully obvious that Dallas needs to bolster its defensive line with robust players who can disrupt opposing offenses.

Now, as we turn to the impending 2025 NFL Draft, it’s clear that several prospects are making waves and altering the landscape. Based on the current Super Bowl odds, we anticipate a riveting draft day, especially for teams like the Raiders, Bears, and Steelers, who are on the lookout for game-changing players to reshape their rosters.

Keep your eyes peeled as the draft approaches; the selections made could very well shift the balance of power in the NFL for years to come!