The Las Vegas Raiders face a crucial decision with the 36th pick in the 2026 NFL draft, potentially trading up or down. This choice will significantly impact their overall draft strategy and selections.
Key points
Raiders have the 36th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft
Fernando Mendoza is linked to the Raiders as a potential pick
John Spytek may trade up or down with the 36th pick
Last year, Spytek traded back to gain more picks
The draft decisions have a ripple effect on overall selections
Fernando MendozaLas Vegas Raiders
Omar Cooper Jr., Fernando Mendoza
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 09: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) reacts after wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) scored a touchdown during the Indiana Hoosiers versus Oregon Ducks College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 9th, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With Fernando Mendoza being linked to the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL draft for months, the first big decision John Spytek actually has to make during draft weekend is what to do in the second round with the 36th overall pick. But that doesnât necessarily mean the Raiders will select a player at that spot.
Last year, Spytek traded back in the second round twice to add more picks, and itâs not out of the question for him to move back into the mid-20s this time around. Of course, the general manager could just stick and pick, too.
As we know, the draft is one big domino effect where every decision Las Vegas makes has a ripple effect on the rest of its selections. So, using Pro Football Networkâs mock draft simulator and consensus big board, letâs run a four-round mock draft for each trade scenario (up, down and staying put) to compare the results. There will be a poll at the bottom where you can vote on which haul you like the best, and sound off in the comments section with your thoughts!
The board fell pretty favorably for the Raiders here, as âbest player availableâ options like Chris Johnson, Brandon Cisse, T.J. Parker and Cashius Howell were also up for grabs. Additionally, Max Iheanchor slid to 36 and Lee Hunter was there for the taking to help paint the picture, in case anyone isnât that thrilled with Miller.
In the third round, Mendoza gets an X-receiver prototype to throw to in the 6-foot-4, 206-pound Hurst. Thatâs also a good value pick as the wideout has been getting some second-round love lately. On that note, Igbinosun ranks 71st on PFNâs consensus big board, so getting him in the 100s feels like a steal. That provides some depth and a potential starter to the cornerback room.
Tight end is more of a luxury pick, but Michael Mayer is entering a contract year, and Delp can fill that role long-term, playing second fiddle to Brock Bowers as he did in 2023 at Georgia. Finally, you canât coach size, and the 6-foot-9, 346-pound Bell, who also has over 36-inch arms, certainly fits that description. That just feels like a Raidersâ offensive lineman.
Free safety is one of the big blind spots here, and that position might be easier to address with a trade.
All trade offers were initiated by PFNâs simulator, but counteroffers were submitted and evaluated by the simulator. Here are the initial other offers that were on the table:
Indianapolis Colts send picks 47 (second round) and a 2027 second-round pick for picks 36 (second round) and 185 (sixth round)
Dallas Cowboys send picks 92 (third round), 112 (fourth round), 2027 second- and third-round picks, and the Pittsburgh Steelersâ 2027 sixth-round pick
A counter was submitted to the Colts, where the Raiders still give up picks 36 and 185 but receive 47, 78 (third round) and a 2027 fourth-rounder instead of just a second next year. However, that was rejected, and Dallas offering two top 100 picks in next yearâs draft while also picking up a couple of selections in the first four rounds this year felt like a good deal.
Going 66 spots between picks was a risk, but the Silver and Black still managed to fill the need at nose tackle with Orange at the top of the third. Then, the trade really paid off by allowing Las Vegas to add a ballhawk to the backend of the secondary in Clark. Admittedly, thereâs some personal bias with that selection, as the TCU product is one of âmy guysâ in this yearâs class.
Then, it was about getting that X-receiver for Mendoza, landing Stribling in round four. That led to Everette being the next immediate return in the Cowboys trade, giving the defense some depth at cornerback and an impressive athlete to develop into a potential starter.
Flipping back to the other side of the ball, Ashton Jeanty gets a running mate in Coleman, who has experience in an offense similar to Klint Kubiakâs, having played for Jedd Fish at Washington. Fish was an assistant on Sean McVayâs coaching staff with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 and 2020. Finally, the interior offensive line gets some depth via Schrauth.
Factoring in the pair of 2027 picks, this is a pretty good haul to kick-start the Raidersâ rebuild.
Trading up had to be initiated by the user, and PFNâs simulator is a tough negotiator as it rejected a few initial offers before ultimately settling on the deal below with Buffalo Bills. The goal was always to get into the mid-20s, and the hope was that one of the big three safeties (Caleb Downs, Dillon Theineman or Emmanuel McNeill-Warren) would slide, but that didnât happen. So, the strategy pivoted toward getting a receiver Mendoza has a lot of familiarity with in Cooper. Also available were Olaivavega Ioane, Kayden McDonald, KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston.
LV sends picks 36 (second round), 134 (fourth), 175 (fifth) and a 2027 third-round pick for No. 26 overall this year
In the third round, the goal was to avoid going with a repeat pick from the previous scenario. However, Orange made too much sense from a need and value perspective, as the other options at the top of the consensus board would have been luxury picks.
A safety was finally available in round four! Ramsey could fill in at free safety and be the long-term solution at nickelback in Las Vegas. To wrap up, the Raiders ended up getting an offensive tackle who could compete for the starting spot on the right side and potentially be a long-term replacement for Kolton Miller in Bowry.
The slideshow above provides a summary of each four-round mock draft in the following order: stick and pick, trade back, and trade up. Make sure to vote for which haul youâd like the Raiders to walk away with and explain your thoughts in the comments section.
