LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Tech offensive lineman Caleb Rogers was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 98th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday night.
Rogers becomes the 10th Red Raider drafted in the top 100 picks since 2000. His selection also marks the seventh time the Raiders have drafted a Texas Tech player, continuing a recent trend that includes defensive end Tyree Wilson, who was taken No. 7 overall by Las Vegas in 2023.
"I loved his energy," said Raiders general manager John Spytek Friday night about what drew them to Rogers. "He's a high-passion guy who flies around the field, and anytime he got a chance to play football, he did. He told us a really cool story about the bowl game and wanting to play ... here's a guy going into his last game, going into the draft with a lot to lose as a day two pick. But to be there for your teammates, and the joy of loving to play football, was something that I really took to. You can see that in his playstyle, too."
A two-time honorable mention All-Big 12 honoree (2023-24), Rogers made 55 career starts over 61 games at Texas Tech, becoming a mainstay on the offensive line after arriving as a true freshman in 2020. In his final season, he started all 13 games, showcasing versatility by shifting between tackle and guard positions. He was later selected to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Rogers' selection extends Texas Tech’s streak to six consecutive drafts with at least one player taken in the first four rounds. Previous Red Raiders drafted during that run include defensive back Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Arizona Cardinals, fourth round, 2024), Wilson (Raiders, first round, 2023), wide receiver Erik Ezukanma (Miami Dolphins, fourth round, 2022), defensive back Zech McPhearson (Philadelphia Eagles, fourth round, 2021), and linebacker Jordyn Brooks (Seattle Seahawks, first round, 2020).
He is the first Texas Tech offensive lineman drafted since Dawson Deaton was selected in the seventh round by the Cleveland Browns in 2022, and the first to go earlier than the seventh round since Le’Raven Clark was taken by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round in 2016.
The NFL Draft continues Saturday with rounds four through seven beginning at 11 a.m. Coverage will be available on NFL Network, ABC and ESPN.
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