In a move that reflects a clear shift in draft strategy under new leadership, the Las Vegas Raiders have traded the No. 37 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Miami Dolphins. First reported by Raiders On SI beat reporter Hondo Carpenter, the Raiders received a package of picks in return: No. 48 (second round), No. 98 (third round), and No. 135 (fourth round).
The trade signals a calculated, patient approach for the Raiders, who under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, are prioritizing long-term roster building over short-term gambles. The message is clear: the Raiders are no longer swinging for quick fixes. They are investing — strategically and systematically — in the future.
Strategic Shift: From Gambler to Investor
The Raiders’ decision to move down 11 spots in the second round rather than make an early splash with the No. 37 pick marks a major philosophical change for a franchise historically known for bold, sometimes reckless decisions on draft night.
Pete Carroll, who took over as head coach earlier this year, emphasized during his Thursday night media availability that both he and Spytek are “enjoying the process” of building the roster thoughtfully. It’s a refreshing attitude for a franchise desperately seeking stability after years of front-office turnover, disappointing draft classes, and missed playoff opportunities.
“Patience is key,” Carroll said. “This league rewards you when you build the right way, not when you chase quick answers.”
Spytek echoed Carroll’s sentiments, adding, “We’re looking for foundational players who will help us not just this season but five, six, seven years down the line.”
Dolphins Make Aggressive Move
On the other side of the deal, the Miami Dolphins clearly had a player in mind they weren’t willing to risk losing. Trading up 11 spots in the second round is no small move, and the cost — three picks — reflects Miami’s urgency. While the Dolphins’ target has not yet been officially confirmed, early reports suggest they were eyeing an immediate contributor, potentially to bolster their offensive line or secondary.
For the Raiders, however, the focus remains on flexibility and volume. With the additional picks, Las Vegas now holds multiple selections on Day 2 and early Day 3 of the draft — prime territory for finding hidden gems and future starters.
Raiders Land Impact Talent Anyway
Despite trading down, the Raiders didn’t leave the night empty-handed when it came to adding top-tier talent. With the No. 48 overall pick — part of the deal — the Raiders selected Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, a surefire impact player many scouts had graded as a fringe first-round talent.
Jeanty, who rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 20 touchdowns last season, brings explosiveness, versatility, and a tough, physical running style that should immediately complement the Raiders’ offense. His ability as both a runner and a pass-catcher fits perfectly into the modern NFL landscape.
Jeanty’s selection reflects another key tenet of Carroll and Spytek’s draft philosophy: value. The Raiders were able to acquire a player they coveted — while also picking up two additional selections that could turn into vital building blocks.
“We loved Ashton,” Carroll said. “He’s the kind of guy who sets a tone. He’s tough, smart, explosive — he’s a Raider.”
Building for the Long Haul
The additional third- and fourth-round picks (No. 98 and No. 135) will give Las Vegas critical flexibility moving forward in the draft. Whether they use the picks to address lingering roster needs — such as at cornerback, interior offensive line, or linebacker — or package them to move up for another targeted player, the Raiders now have options they didn’t possess at the start of the night.
More importantly, this approach sends a strong signal to Raider Nation: this front office is committed to building a sustainable winner, not chasing short-term headlines.
Over the past two decades, the Raiders have been plagued by poor draft decisions, questionable trades, and a carousel of coaching changes. The result? Only two playoff appearances since the 2002 season, and no playoff wins. Raiders fans have long demanded a new direction — and it appears that Carroll and Spytek are delivering exactly that.
The Pete Carroll Factor
When Pete Carroll was hired earlier this offseason, there were questions about how his philosophies — honed over a decade of success with the Seattle Seahawks — would translate to a rebuilding Raiders team. After Thursday night’s events, it’s clear that Carroll’s blueprint is already taking shape: emphasize toughness, intelligence, and value; prioritize roster depth over star-chasing; and build a foundation capable of sustained success.
Carroll, after all, is no stranger to franchise turnarounds. In Seattle, he took over a struggling team in 2010, rebuilt it through smart drafting and development (highlighted by legendary picks like Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner, and Richard Sherman), and turned it into a perennial powerhouse, including a Super Bowl championship in the 2013 season.
If Thursday night’s trade is any indication, Carroll and Spytek are working from a similar playbook in Las Vegas.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
Heading into the remainder of the draft, the Raiders now boast an intriguing stockpile of picks — and a clear plan. Expect them to target high-upside players who can contribute early but also fit into a long-term vision.
Cornerback, offensive guard, linebacker, and edge rusher remain areas of need, and with multiple picks on Day 2 and early Day 3, the Raiders are in prime position to address them.
The fanbase, long starved for hope, now has reason for cautious optimism. The Raiders aren’t just picking players — they’re building a team.
“We’re building something for the long haul,” Carroll said Thursday night. “And we’re just getting started.”
For a franchise desperately seeking a new identity and new results, that’s exactly what Raider Nation wanted — and needed — to hear.
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