Raiders were on pace for top pick
That’s why they play a full four quarters, I suppose.
NFL draft status can be fleeting. After all, the Las Vegas Raiders looked like they were primed to get the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft until they won’t back-to-back Week 16 and 17 games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New Orleans Saints to tumble away from the top pick.
Their fourth-quarter play also played a role. Recently NFL analyst Warren Sharp looked at what the 2024 team records for each team would be if games ended after third third quarter. In that scenario, the Raiders would have had the No. 1 overall pick with a 2-15 mark. Here is the full list:
2024 record if games ended after the 3rd qtr:
14-3 – Detroit Lions
12-3-2 – Los Angeles Chargers
12-4-1 – Buffalo Bills
12-5 – Houston Texans
12-5 – Philadelphia Eagles
12-5 – Washington Commanders
11-5-1 – Denver Broncos
11-5-1 – Minnesota Vikings
10-5-2 -…— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 18, 2025
So, things changed dramatically for the Raiders who ended up with the No. 6 overall pick and running back Ashton Jeanty.
That’s why they play the full games.
In other Raiders news:
- WR pre: The Raiders’ website previews their wide receiver group.
- One question: The Athletic has a lingering question for every NFL team.
- Hometown love: Las Vegas native and Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu gives back to the community.