Adding another vaunted pass rusher is never a bad idea if you’re the Las Vegas Raiders; that’s where Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart comes in.
The 2025 NFL draft is creeping up like a rogue linebacker on a blitz, and for the Raiders, it’s a chance to pull off another heist in the late rounds.
With the No. 6 pick at their disposal and a passionate base yearning for a breakthrough, the Silver and Black have a proven track record of transforming undervalued prospects into legendary players, exemplified by Maxx Crosby, a fourth-round steal who is now a formidable player.
This piece is all about those under-the-radar gems, the raw talents who might not dazzle at the combine but could shine in Allegiant Stadium’s spotlight. We will delve into statistics, analyze college tape like film enthusiasts, and highlight some fan-favorite sleepers—because if the Raiders’ front office prioritizes potential over hype, they could potentially achieve success once more.
Predictions, Odds, And A Dash Of Vegas Vibe
Drafting is a crapshoot, and predicting who’ll pan out is half the fun—like spinning the wheel at Bet99 casino. The odds might say one thing, but the payout’s what matters. For the Raiders, it’s not just about the first-round flash; it’s about nailing those mid-to-late picks where the real value hides.
Past successes prove it: Crosby, snagged at 106th overall in 2019, racked up 10 sacks as a rookie and now sits at 59.5 career takedowns, fifth in franchise history. The lesson? Skip the polished prima donnas and bet on the scrappy, unrefined kids with upside—because in Vegas, the house doesn’t always win, but the Raiders could.
The Maxx Crosby Blueprint—Why Raw Beats Refined
Let’s rewind to Crosby’s origin story. Eastern Michigan wasn’t exactly a football factory, and his lanky frame had scouts muttering “project” instead of “prodigy.” However, his performance in his final college year, with 19 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, clearly demonstrated potential. The Raiders recognized his unwavering drive and the potential to bulk up his 6’5″ frame, and six seasons later, he has become an All-Pro threat.
Compare that to hyped-up busts like 2019’s No. 4 pick Clelin Ferrell, who managed 10 sacks in four years with Vegas. Stats back the hunch: since 2015, fourth-round edge rushers average 15.2 career sacks league-wide, per Pro Football Reference, yet Crosby has tripled that. Raw talent, coached right, trumps big names every time.
Raiders Sleeper Spotlight
So, who’s the 2025 Crosby? Let’s scour the shadows. First up: Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan. At 6’1” and 245 pounds, he’s undersized, but his 2024 tape against Ohio State—8 pressures, two sacks—shows a relentless bull-rusher with a knack for bending the edge. His 11.5 sacks last season rank him in the top 10 among FBS defenders, yet he’s projected for Day 3. Then there’s Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State. His stock was severely damaged by a knee injury, but prior to 2024, he averaged 15.2 yards per catch and scored eight touchdowns in just six games. Raiders fans on X are enthralled with his shifty routes, reminiscent of Davante Adams with a determined attitude.
Finally, we have Hunter Dekkers, a quarterback at Iowa State. Despite his post-JUCO redemption arc, Hunter Dekkers’ 6’3″ frame and powerful arm (65% completion rate, 3,200 yards in 2022) offer significant potential, even if he is a fifth-round pick.
Fan Faves And Gut Calls
Raider Nation has strong opinions. X promotes Stewart as “Crosby 2.0” due to his hustle, while fans are enthralled with Horton’s speed. Dekkers? A wild card—some call him “the next Minshew,” others a “project worth the risk.” The stats align: Stewart’s 18% pressure rate tops most first-round edges, per PFF, and Horton’s 679 yards in seven games outpace many Day 2 receivers. Dekkers’ tape shows pocket poise that could thrive under Pete Carroll’s tutelage. These aren’t the ShThese aren’t the Shedeur Sanders types making headlines; instead, they are the hardworking, determined kids who embody the Raiders’ pirate spirit.
The Bold Call Of Josaiah Stewart, Future Face Of The D-Line
Here’s the hill I’m dying on: Josaiah Stewart, snagged in the fourth round, could redefine the Raiders’ defense. Pair him with Crosby, and you’ve got a pass-rush duo that keeps quarterbacks awake at night. His college production (23.5 career sacks) and twitchy first step mirror Crosby’s early promise, and at 22, he’s got room to grow into a 10-sack-a-year stud.
If general manager John Spytek rolls the dice on this Wolverine, Raider Nation might just hoist a new Jolly Roger by 2027—because in Vegas, the boldest bets pay off the biggest.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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