Raiders 53-Man Roster Breakdown: Who Made the Cut?

The preseason drama is over, the final waves of roster cuts have crashed ashore, and the Las Vegas Raiders have officially rolled out their first 53-man squad for the 2025 season. And let me tell you—this team looks balanced, gritty, and ready to hit the ground running. From savvy vets to fresh rookies, the Raiders’ lineup is packed with talent at just about every position.

So, let’s break it all down position by position, highlight some key names, and dive into what this roster means moving forward.

Quarterbacks: A Trio to Trust

• Geno Smith

• Kenny Pickett

• Aidan O’Connell

Quarterback depth has been a major question in recent years, but this lineup feels like a refreshing mix. Geno Smith, stepping in as the likely starter, brings poise and veteran calmness that this team can rally around. Kenny Pickett, still young but with some NFL starting experience under his belt, provides insurance and upside. And let’s not overlook Aidan O’Connell—last year’s flashes proved he has the grit and smarts to hold his own.

Three QBs on the roster? It says the Raiders aren’t playing around when it comes to having options under center.

Running Backs: Speed, Power, and Potential

• Ashton Jeanty

• Raheem Mostert

• Zamir White

• Dylan Laube

This room is electric. Raheem Mostert, one of the fastest backs in the league, is still that home-run hitter every defense fears. Zamir White? A powerful runner built to pound between the tackles. The newcomer Ashton Jeanty could be a hidden gem with that mix of vision and burst. And Dylan Laube rounds it out with versatility—he’s the type who can catch passes out of the backfield and keep defenses guessing.

This backfield has the perfect mix of lightning and thunder.

Wide Receivers: Star Power with Some Young Guns

• Amari Cooper

• Jakobi Meyers

• Tre Tucker

• Dont’e Thornton

• Jack Bech

Here’s where it gets really exciting. Amari Cooper returns to give this offense that true WR1 vibe—polished routes, reliable hands, and big-play ability. Jakobi Meyers is one of the league’s best at finding soft spots in coverage, while Tre Tucker brings that vertical threat to stretch the field. Dont’e Thornton, long and athletic, adds another dynamic weapon, and Jack Bech? He could be the sleeper here, with sneaky good ball skills.

No doubt about it—the Raiders’ receiving corps looks dangerous.

Tight Ends: Size, Speed, and Matchup Nightmares

• Brock Bowers

• Michael Mayer

• Ian Thomas

Talk about firepower. Rookie Brock Bowers is already one of the most hyped tight ends in years, and his blend of athleticism and physicality is set to create mismatches all season. Michael Mayer, entering Year 2, is a tough chain-mover who isn’t afraid to get physical. And Ian Thomas adds experience and blocking depth.

This is one of the league’s most exciting tight end groups—expect plenty of double-tight looks.

Offensive Line: Ten Deep and Loaded with Talent

• Kolton Miller (LT)

• Dylan Parham (LG)

• Jordan Meredith (C)

• Jackson Powers-Johnson (RG)

• DJ Glaze (RT)

• Charles Grant (T)

• Caleb Rogers (G)

• Thayer Munford (T)

• Alex Cappa (G)

• Will Putnam (C)

Depth is everything in the trenches, and the Raiders clearly took no chances here. Kolton Miller continues to anchor the blind side, while rookies like Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze add immediate talent. With experienced guards like Alex Cappa and promising pieces like Thayer Munford and Caleb Rogers, this O-line looks built to protect Geno Smith and pave lanes for that explosive run game.

Defensive Interior: Big Bodies in the Middle

• Jonah Laulu

• Adam Butler

• Thomas Booker

• Tonka Hemingway

• JJ Pegues

• Leki Fotu

The Raiders beefed up the interior with a nice blend of veteran toughness and young muscle. Leki Fotu brings size and strength to clog the run lanes, while Adam Butler adds veteran savvy. Jonah Laulu and JJ Pegues flash potential as rotational disruptors. Depth here will be critical for controlling the line of scrimmage.

Edge Rushers: Maxx Crosby & Co.

• Maxx Crosby

• Tyree Wilson

• Malcolm Koonce

• Charles Snowden

This group starts and ends with Maxx Crosby. He’s not just the heart of this defense—he’s one of the most feared pass rushers in football. Tyree Wilson continues his development as a high-upside force opposite Crosby, while Malcolm Koonce has proven he can win with speed and effort. Charles Snowden adds length and depth to keep legs fresh.

This crew will keep offensive tackles sweating all year.

Linebackers: Tough, Experienced, and Physical

• Elandon Roberts

• Germaine Pratt

• Devin White

• Jamal Adams

• Tommy Eichenberg

• Cody Lindenberg

Here’s a fascinating group. Devin White brings championship pedigree and sideline-to-sideline speed. Jamal Adams, shifting into a linebacker role, is going to be a bruising presence near the line of scrimmage. Germaine Pratt and Elandon Roberts provide experience and toughness, while rookies like Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Lindenberg give this room a fresh jolt of energy.

Physicality is the theme here.

Cornerbacks: Youth Meets Opportunity

• Darien Porter

• Eric Stokes

• Darnay Holmes

• Decamerion Richardson

• Kyu Blu Kelly

While this group doesn’t have a superstar name, it has plenty of promise. Eric Stokes, when healthy, has the speed to stick with top receivers. Darnay Holmes provides that nickel versatility, and youngsters like Porter, Richardson, and Kelly bring developmental upside.

This might be the Raiders’ biggest "prove-it" position group of 2025.

Safeties: Versatility Everywhere

• Jeremy Chinn

• Isaiah Pola-Mao

• Thomas Harper

• Christopher Smith II

This safety room screams flexibility. Jeremy Chinn can play just about anywhere—deep, in the box, or even in the slot. Isaiah Pola-Mao offers length and range, while Thomas Harper and Christopher Smith II provide solid depth. Don’t be surprised if multiple safeties are on the field at the same time in Patrick Graham’s defense.

Specialists: No Drama Here

• Daniel Carlson (K)

• AJ Cole (P)

• Jacob Bobenmoyer (LS)

Sometimes, stability is underrated. Carlson is automatic, Cole is one of the league’s best punters, and Bobenmoyer keeps everything clean in the long-snapping department. Special teams? Locked down.

Quick Takeaways

• QB depth matters – Geno Smith gives the Raiders a steady hand, but Pickett and O’Connell make this room deeper than most.

• Explosive backfield – Mostert and Jeanty bring speed, while Zamir White brings the power.

• Weapons galore – With Cooper, Meyers, Tucker, and Bowers, this offense has no shortage of playmakers.

• Defense is versatile – From Crosby’s pass rush to Adams’ hybrid linebacker role, this unit is built to mix things up.

Final Thoughts

The Raiders’ 53-man roster feels like a carefully crafted balance of veteran leadership and young upside. There’s experience where it matters most—quarterback, edge rusher, kicker—and youth in places that can grow over the season.

Most importantly, this squad looks tougher, faster, and deeper than in years past. Raider Nation has every reason to be fired up for what’s ahead.