The Las Vegas Raiders hold the keys to the 2025 NFL Draft with the coveted No. 1 overall pick, and General Manager John Spytek confirmed Tuesday that the phone lines are active. While speaking at a pre-draft press conference with Assistant GM Brian Stark, Spytek acknowledged receiving trade inquiries for the top selection, though he didn't sound like a man in a hurry to make a deal.

With a knowing smile, Spytek stated that interested teams "know where they stand." The strong implication is that, barring a massive, unforeseen trade package, the Raiders are poised to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. This move has been the consensus expectation for months, and with the draft just over a week away, Spytek's comments suggest the plan remains firmly on track.

Spytek emphasized the unique power of holding the first pick, noting the Raiders are the only team that can take any player they desire "if we choose to do so." However, he stopped short of guaranteeing a rookie quarterback would start Week 1, reiterating that the "best man" will play while acknowledging the difficulty of starting a rookie immediately—a sentiment echoed by head coach Klint Kubiak this offseason.

Beyond the quarterback spotlight, Spytek and Stark shed light on other positions of interest. In a quote destined for t-shirts, Spytek declared, "offensive linemen are sexy as hell," signaling that bolstering the trenches remains a priority despite recent investments. He also highlighted safety as a position of need, with only three on the current roster, and noted promising depth in the later rounds.

Stark echoed the theme of depth, pointing to the offensive line and wide receiver groups as particularly strong in this year's class, hinting at potential value picks for Las Vegas on Day 2 and 3. As the draft clock ticks down, all signs point to the Raiders making a franchise-defining choice at No. 1, setting the tone for a new era in Las Vegas.