Red Raider Caleb Rogers Selected 34th in 3rd Round: A Perfect Fit for the Las Vegas Raiders
In one of the most exciting moments of the 2025 NFL Draft, Texas Tech’s standout offensive lineman Caleb Rogers has officially found a new home. With the 34th pick of the 3rd round, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Rogers, making the Red Raider a Raider once again — this time on the professional stage. It’s a perfect match, both for a team looking to bolster its offensive line and for a player built on toughness, leadership, and consistency.
Rogers’ journey from Texas Tech to the NFL has been defined by grit and perseverance. Over his college career, he grew into one of the most reliable and battle-tested linemen in the Big 12. Starting 46 games for the Red Raiders, Rogers showed versatility by playing both left and right tackle, often matching up against some of the top pass rushers in the nation. His combination of athleticism, quick feet, and football IQ made him a cornerstone of the Texas Tech offense, helping them maintain one of the more explosive passing attacks in college football.
Standing 6’5″ and weighing in at just over 310 pounds, Rogers brings prototypical size for an NFL tackle, but it’s his intangibles that truly make him special. Coaches rave about his work ethic, leadership qualities, and ability to perform under pressure. At Texas Tech, he was known as a locker room leader — someone younger players looked up to and veterans leaned on when the going got tough.
The Raiders have been aggressively trying to reshape their offensive line to protect their new quarterback and establish a physical identity up front. Caleb Rogers fits that vision perfectly. His ability to mirror pass rushers and anchor against power moves makes him a valuable asset, particularly in an AFC West loaded with elite edge rushers. Defensive lines in the division featuring stars like Kansas City’s Chris Jones and the Chargers’ Joey Bosa will test any offensive line — and Rogers looks ready for the challenge.
Analysts were high on Rogers throughout the draft process. While he wasn’t projected to go in the first round, he steadily rose up draft boards thanks to strong showings at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. His 40-yard dash time (5.12 seconds) and excellent footwork drills showcased his athletic potential, while his interviews left no doubt about his mental readiness for the pros. Teams loved his coachability, his toughness, and his understanding of scheme versatility — something that will be crucial for the Raiders as they continue to tweak their offensive approach under their new coaching staff.
Beyond the on-field skills, the connection between Texas Tech and Las Vegas Raider fans gives this pick an extra layer of excitement. Raiders Nation embraces players who play with heart and a chip on their shoulder — and Rogers embodies both. His Texas roots, underdog mentality, and fierce competitiveness should make him an instant fan favorite.
Rogers’ journey to the pros wasn’t without its challenges. Early in his Texas Tech career, he had to earn his spot the hard way — no five-star recruit treatment, no guarantees. His development under multiple coaching staffs at Tech speaks volumes about his adaptability and football IQ. Whether it was protecting the blind side or flipping to the right to accommodate injuries, Rogers always put the team first.
For Las Vegas, this pick is about more than just filling a need. It’s about building a culture. In the trenches, the NFL isn’t just about size and speed — it’s about attitude. Rogers brings the kind of no-nonsense, blue-collar mentality the Raiders are known for historically. Fans dreaming of the glory days of smashmouth football should be thrilled.
The plan for Rogers moving forward likely involves competing immediately for a starting role. Given the state of the Raiders’ offensive line depth chart, don’t be surprised if Rogers sees significant snaps early in the 2025 season. His experience in a pass-heavy system at Texas Tech could be crucial in protecting Las Vegas’ young, promising offense.
In a draft that saw plenty of flash and highlight-reel picks, the Raiders made a move that’s about building from the ground up — investing in the big men who make everything else possible. Caleb Rogers isn’t the loudest name from this draft, but when Raider Nation looks back in a few years, they might see this 3rd-round pick as a foundation piece.
From Lubbock to Las Vegas, Caleb Rogers’ journey continues — and it’s about to get even better.
Red Raider. Las Vegas Raider. The future is now.
