Raiders ignore critics after win, saying ‘we don’t do this to lose’

Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce Unaffected by Draft Position Slip

HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce isn’t concerned about his team’s draft position slipping from No. 2 to No. 6 in the 2025 NFL Draft after their 19-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Despite Raiders fans expressing disappointment at the possibility of missing out on top quarterback prospects like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward, Pierce remained focused on the team’s performance.

“We don’t do this to lose,” Pierce said Monday. “We don’t do this for anybody’s fantasy football team. We don’t do this for anybody’s draft projections. None of that s— matters to us. The only thing that matters is winning, and that’s all we want to do.”

Breaking a Losing Streak and Looking Ahead

The Raiders’ victory snapped a 10-game losing streak, their longest since 2014, and improved their record to 3-12. They also hold wins over the Cleveland Browns (3-12) and Baltimore Ravens (10-5).

According to ESPN Research, the current draft order has the New York Giants (2-13) with the first overall pick, followed by the New England Patriots (3-12), Jaguars, Browns, and Tennessee Titans (3-12) before the Raiders at No. 6.

The Raiders’ remaining schedule includes a trip to the New Orleans Saints (5-9) and a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6), who may have already clinched a playoff berth by then.

Quarterback Draft History

The Raiders last held the No. 1 pick in 2007 and selected JaMarcus Russell. Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the Raiders have only drafted three quarterbacks in the first round: Marc Wilson (1980), Todd Marinovich (1991), and Russell.

Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell chose to focus on the present, stating, “I don’t read anything, so I don’t really hear it. Ignorance is definitely bliss and that’s how I’m rolling.”

Stay tuned to ESPN for all the latest updates on the Las Vegas Raiders and the 2025 NFL Draft!