Raiders’ Draft: Jeanty Headlines, Brady’s Influence Seen in Miller Pick

The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 NFL Draft class is already generating buzz, headlined by former Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty. However, it was the team’s sixth-round selection, quarterback Cam Miller from North Dakota State, that caught the eye of a certain Tom Brady, who holds a minority ownership stake in the franchise.

Miller, a two-time FCS national champion, was the 215th overall pick in the draft. Brady’s connection to the Raiders goes beyond his ownership stake. His close relationship with Raiders general manager John Spytek, dating back to their time together at the University of Michigan, played a significant role in the draft decision. Spytek also worked in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers front office during Brady’s tenure there.

The Athletic reported that Brady was involved in the Raiders’ decision-making process, even being on the call with Raiders owner Mark Davis and other limited partners during Spytek’s interview for the general manager position. This level of trust and familiarity suggests that Brady’s input was valued and considered when the Raiders decided to draft Miller.

Spytek confirmed Brady’s positive assessment of Miller, stating that the former NFL quarterback "liked the way he threw it, his technique, throwing from the ground up, and his motion." He added that Brady was "bullish" on Miller’s potential for improvement.

Miller’s impressive collegiate career at North Dakota State saw him amass a 45-11 record. He now joins a Raiders quarterback room that already includes veteran Geno Smith and second-year player Aidan O’Connell.

The Raiders made a significant move earlier in the offseason to acquire Smith, sending a third-round pick in the 2025 draft to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for the experienced quarterback. Smith’s arrival in Las Vegas marked the end of his five-year run with the Seahawks, where he served as the primary starter for three seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors twice.

Last season, Smith threw for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns with 15 interceptions. He is currently considered the favorite to start for the Raiders when the season begins, even with the addition of Miller to the quarterback roster.

The Raiders are looking to improve upon their disappointing 4-13 record from last season. This poor performance led to the departures of both coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco. In January, Pete Carroll, who previously coached Smith in Seattle, was named the Raiders’ new head coach.

The Raiders’ offseason moves extended beyond the quarterback position. They also focused on securing a key piece of their defense for the long term. Defensive end Maxx Crosby signed the richest contract for a non-quarterback in league history in March. The three-year extension, worth a reported $106.5 million with $91.5 million guaranteed, ties Crosby to Las Vegas through the 2029 season.

The Raiders’ offseason has been marked by significant changes and strategic acquisitions, all aimed at improving the team’s performance and building a competitive roster for the future. The combination of veteran leadership in Geno Smith, the potential of rookie Cam Miller, and the defensive prowess of Maxx Crosby provides a foundation for the team to build upon. The influence of figures like Tom Brady and Pete Carroll adds an extra layer of intrigue and expertise to the Raiders’ organization.

As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on integrating new players, developing young talent, and establishing a winning culture. The decisions made this offseason, from the draft selections to the coaching changes and contract extensions, will ultimately determine the team’s success in the years to come.

The Raiders’ selection of Ashton Jeanty offers a dynamic presence in the backfield, someone to potentially alleviate the pressures associated with the passing game and provide a consistent ground attack. If Jeanty lives up to the hype, the Raiders offense could see a significant boost in productivity.

The drafting of Cam Miller, while a later round selection, highlights the Raiders’ commitment to developing talent at the quarterback position. With Brady’s endorsement, Miller enters the league with a unique level of attention and expectation. The Raiders clearly see long-term potential, which could make this a great draft.

The Raiders have a lot to look forward to, but the NFL season is a long and hard grind, so it will be interesting to watch them on the field.