Former USC head coach Pete Carroll taps into an old rival to help rebuild the Las Vegas Raiders. That’s the newest mock draft prediction involving the 2025 coaching leader of the Silver and Black.
Carroll starts the draft by rolling with running back Ashton Jeanty of Boise State at No. 6. That move bolsters the league’s worst ground game from 2024. But Carroll then shockingly turns to a past college football adversary of his in round two.
He helps bring in UCLA star linebacker Carson Schwesinger at No. 37 overall, with Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic calling for the move to happen.
Schwesinger established himself as a fast riser in recent weeks. He delivered a short shuttle run of 4.25 while leaping to 10’7″ in the broad jump at his Pro Day workout.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Schwesinger brought NFL scouts from at least 30 teams over to his high school Oaks Christian in Westlake Village — where he worked out in front of those teams. Carroll is familiar with Schwesinger’s prep alma mater, from his time recruiting the Southern California high school scene while at USC.
Many USC fans likely will scratch their heads at wondering why Carroll would tap into a past rival to build his newest team. But then again, Carroll hired former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly to run the offense. Although Kelly comes to Sin City via national champion Ohio State, where he was the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator this past season.
Still, Schwesinger comes equipped with stellar athleticism — which bolsters a needed area for the Raiders. He brings a cerebral side in diagnosing running plays and blocking schemes. Schwesinger also enters the league boasting some of the best pass coverage skills at linebacker. He’s strong at deciphering play action plays immediately and dropping into coverage quickly.
The Raiders already lost beloved linebacker Robert Spillane during free agency. Schwesinger immediately becomes his replacement in this scenario.
Schwesinger, though, has attracted multiple NFL teams ahead of the draft. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed the UCLA star is visiting the Baltimore Ravens on a top 30 visit Monday. Baltimore, like Vegas, is in need of LB help moving forward.
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About the author
Lorenzo J. Reyna
College & NFL Writer, Athlon Sports