Prediction Time: How Many Picks Will the New Raiders Safety Duo Rack Up in 2025?
The Las Vegas Raiders have quietly made one of the most intriguing defensive moves of the offseason by pairing Jeremy Chinn with Isaiah Pola-Mao as their new starting safety duo. As training camp nears, fans and analysts alike are wondering: Just how impactful can this hard-hitting tandem be in 2025? More specifically — how many interceptions will they combine for this season?
Let’s break it down.
A High-Ceiling Partnership in the Secondary
The Raiders have long struggled to find stability in the back end of their defense. But that might be about to change.
Jeremy Chinn, the former Carolina Panther, is known for his freakish athleticism and versatility. Whether playing deep, in the box, or even in the slot, Chinn has shown he can cover ground quickly and disrupt plays. Though interceptions haven’t been his calling card in recent years, his instincts and ability to bait quarterbacks could flourish under the right system in Las Vegas.
Then there’s Isaiah Pola-Mao, the 6’4” USC product who has quietly grown into a reliable presence. After flashes of playmaking ability last season, the Raiders are handing him a bigger role — and with it comes the opportunity to make real noise.
Interceptions Incoming?
With defensive coordinator Patrick Graham dialing up more exotic coverages this season, the Raiders secondary could finally get more aggressive. That means more chances for tipped balls, disguised coverages, and — you guessed it — interceptions.
So how many can this duo pull in?
Projection: 6–8 combined interceptions
Here’s why:
Chinn is due for a bounce-back year. If he’s given freedom to roam and play instinctively, 3–4 interceptions are well within reach.
Pola-Mao could feast on overthrows and misreads, especially with Chinn drawing attention. A 3-pick season wouldn’t be surprising at all.
Together, this duo could account for one of the most productive safety tandems the Raiders have seen in years — not just in INTs, but in overall defensive disruption.
Bigger Than Stats
It’s not just about picks. It’s about tone-setting.
Chinn brings a swagger and explosiveness that can energize the defense. Pola-Mao offers a cerebral, rangy style that complements Chinn’s physicality. Together, they could be the X-factor that elevates the Raiders’ pass defense from middle-of-the-pack to elite.
Final Thought
Don’t be surprised if this duo makes headlines by midseason. The Raiders may have stumbled into one of the most balanced and exciting safety partnerships in the AFC. If they can stay healthy and capitalize on their chances, expect Chinn and Pola-Mao to be household names by January.
Prediction: Chinn + Pola-Mao = 7 interceptions in 2025. You heard it here first.
What’s your take, Raider Nation? More than 7 picks, or are we being too generous? Let us know in the comments!