Tom Brady has only been a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders for a few months, but his influence on the franchise’s future is already making waves. With his extensive experience and connections, Brady is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s direction.
Brady’s Impact on the Raiders’ Leadership
Brady’s hands-on involvement is particularly evident in the Raiders’ recent hiring of new general manager John Spytek, a former teammate of his at Michigan. Additionally, the team is eyeing Pete Carroll as a potential head coach, further indicating Brady’s significant role in the decision-making process.
The Raiders Eye the No. 1 Overall Pick
Given Brady’s impact, CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso speculates that the Raiders will be highly motivated to make a trade with the Tennessee Titans for the No. 1 overall pick. The goal? To secure Las Vegas’ future franchise quarterback, Shedeur Sanders from Colorado. Brady’s previous relationship with Sanders adds an intriguing layer to this potential move.
Trapasso’s insights suggest that the Raiders are not just sitting back and hoping for Sanders to fall to them at No. 6. Instead, they may be willing to offer a substantial package, including three first-round picks — the No. 6 overall in 2025, along with their 2026 and 2027 first-rounders — and a second-round pick in 2025. This kind of aggressive strategy could be too tempting for the Titans to pass up, especially if they can still grab a top player at No. 6.
CBS Sports’ Predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft
In light of these developments, CBS Sports has laid out its predictions for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s how they envision the first few picks unfolding:
1. Las Vegas Raiders (via trade with Titans): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
In this scenario, the Raiders make a bold move, trading up to secure their future quarterback in Sanders. With his impressive college stats and a strong connection to Brady, he could be the perfect fit for Las Vegas.
2. Cleveland Browns: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns are projected to select Cam Ward, the most productive quarterback in college football for 2024. Ward led the FBS with 39 passing touchdowns and ranked second nationally with 4,313 passing yards. Given the uncertainty surrounding injured quarterback Deshaun Watson, this pick could be a game-changer for Cleveland.
3. New York Giants: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
In a surprising twist, the New York Giants are expected to select Jalen Milroe at No. 3 overall. Milroe has drawn comparisons to Lamar Jackson for his electrifying playmaking ability. Despite some questions about his passing performance in 2024, his potential as a dual-threat quarterback makes him an exciting prospect for the Giants.
4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The New England Patriots could be the big winners of this draft, landing Travis Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Hunter’s versatility as a two-way player makes him a valuable asset for New England, offering immediate impact on both offense and defense.
6. Tennessee Titans (via trade with Raiders): Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
As for the Tennessee Titans, they are projected to select Abdul Carter, a dominant edge rusher from Penn State. After trading down with the Raiders, the Titans would still land a top-tier talent, making this move a win-win for both teams.
More Predictions from CBS Sports
Other notable predictions include the San Francisco 49ers selecting James Pearce Jr., the Dallas Cowboys picking Tyler Warren, and the Miami Dolphins taking Malaki Starks. Each of these teams is looking to bolster their rosters with young, talented players who can make an immediate impact.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the excitement is palpable. With Tom Brady’s influence already being felt in Las Vegas, fans are eager to see how these predictions unfold and what the future holds for college football’s brightest stars. Will the Raiders successfully land their franchise quarterback? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the stakes have never been higher.
