While there is a growing consensus that the Las Vegas Raiders will select Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, nothing is set in stone. On Thursday, The Athletic’s Tashan Reed released a mock draft in which the team opts for Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou in the first round instead of Jeanty.
However, the team still needed help at both running back and wide receiver, so Reed added some fire-power in the second round. In his mock draft, the Raiders selected Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins and Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins.
Judkins was the team’s selection at No. 37, and his resume is tough to beat. He had over 1,200 all-purpose yards last season for the National Champion Buckeyes, and he totaled 16 touchdowns during his junior campaign.
He did split carries with TreVeyon Henderson, which means that he is capable of affecting the game in a limited capacity, but he may also have more in the tank as a featured back. Judkins also played for Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly while at Ohio State, so he should be a quick study as he adjusts to the NFL.
Higgins is a bit of an underrated prospect, but Reed projected that the team would give up their third and fourth-round picks to snag him in the back half of the second round at No. 57. He caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns last season for the Cyclones, and his big frame, combined with elite athleticism, make him an easy selection in Round 2.
Las Vegas needed offensive firepower, and that is exactly what they got with these two selections. Geno Smith throwing passes to a combination of Higgins, Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers is already intriguing, but when you factor in the rushing attack with Judkins and Raheem Mostert, this may be a dangerous offense in 2025.