The Las Vegas Raiders face crucial decisions in the upcoming draft, with general manager John Spytek needing to maximize nine selections after the first round. The team's previous rookie class underperformed, making this draft vital for immediate contributions.
Mentioned in this story
The Las Vegas Raiders have big decisions to make over the next three days. Of course, the first pick wonât be a tough call, but general manager John Spytek has nine other selections after the first round, and he needs immediate contributors.
Last year, the Raiders added 11 rookies to their roster. Though other than running back Ashton Jeanty, the 2025 class had an underwhelming season. The previous coaching staff favored veterans like Alex Cappa and Tyler Lockett over Caleb Rogers and Jack Bech or Dontâe Thornton Jr.
The Raiders could see tremendous growth if this yearâs class sees playing time, along with last yearâs group.
Las Vegas is only hours away from being on the clock. In the meantime, hereâs one final 2026 mock draft for the Silver and Black. These selections are based on how the team could fill roster needs.
Related: Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Round 1 With Trades
Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The only lock in this yearâs draft. Once the Raiders solidified the No. 1 spot in the order, everyone knew they would shift their attention to , who put on a show in front of Raiders brass during the College Football Playoffs.
The Raiders need to fill several roster gaps, particularly focusing on immediate contributors to enhance team performance.
John Spytek is the general manager responsible for making draft decisions for the Raiders.
The Raiders added 11 rookies to their roster last year, but only running back Ashton Jeanty made a significant impact.
The Raiders are set to be on the clock in just hours, indicating the draft is imminent.
Tom Dundon, the new owner of the Portland Trail Blazers, has stirred controversy with his comments and spending cuts since taking over. His actions have generated significant media attention and speculation about the team's future.
CSK hands MI their biggest IPL defeat by 103 runs with Samson's century!
Mike Vrabel takes accountability for past actions after Dianna Russini photos emerge.
Mike Vrabel breaks silence on Dianna Russini kissing photo
Amherst Central High School announces Sean McKeone as new football coach
Mike Vrabel takes a step back for counseling after scandal; Dianna Russini deletes her X account.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
General manager John Spytek can turn in the card once the clock starts ticking Thursday night. Mendoza will be the glimmer of hope this franchise needs to get back on the right track.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft: John Spytekâs 10 Picks, 4 Positions That Must Be Addressed
Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
According to ESPNâs Ryan McFadden and Matt Miller, the Raiders will consider a second-round prospect who can help Mendoza, an offensive tackle or a wide receiver.
If thatâs the case, a wideout would likely have a more immediate impact because of a clear pathway to playing time on the field. Unless Las Vegas trades DJ Glaze, a rookie right tackle would have to compete with him for the job.
As rookies, Jack Bech and Dontâe Thornton Jr. played sparingly. Also, Spytek drafted them for former play-caller Chip Kellyâs offense. Offensive-minded head coach Klint Kubiak may want a different skill set or type of receiver for his system.
Germie Bernard would be an ideal fit because of his ability to line up at all three receiver spots. Also, his experience in a motion-heavy offense should translate well to Kubiakâs scheme, which involves pre-snap movement to expose mismatches.
Though Bernard doesnât have breakaway speed, heâs tough to bring down after the catch. More importantly, he rarely dropped passes in college. Kubiak can rely on him as a reliable high-IQ playmaker to eventually lead his receiver corps.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
A.J. Haulcy would give the Raiders the best of both worlds at safety. He can set the tone for the back end of the defense with bone-jarring tackles and force turnovers in coverage.
Over the last two years at Houston and LSU, Haulcy became a football magnet, recording eight interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He also played with controlled aggression and went through the previous campaign without committing a penalty.
Haulcy is a well-rounded safety who could earn immediate playing time because of his ball skills. If necessary, heâll stand out on special teams while working his way up the depth chart.
Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Domonique Orangeâs skill set and recent experience fit exactly what the Raiders need in the middle of their defense.
Defensive tackles Jonah Laulu and Tonka Hemingway should play more snaps in the upcoming season after they logged four sacks apiece. Las Vegas needs a nose tackle to take on double-teams and stop the run.
According to Pro Football Focus, Orange played the second-most snaps (412) in the A-gap among FBS players. The 6-2, 325-pounder can start Day 1 at nose tackle in defensive coordinator Rob Leonardâs 3-4 defense.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Though Glaze is the frontrunner to start at right tackle, heâs coming off a disappointing second season. He allowed 10 sacks, per Pro Football Focus.
Yes, the Raidersâ previous coaching staff deserves some blame for the poor offensive line play, though the new regime shouldnât just hand Glaze the starting job. Spytek could add competition at right tackle.
Travis Burke has experience on both sides of the line, dating back to his time at Gardner-Webb. After playing left tackle at Florida International for two years, he settled in at right tackle with the Memphis Tigers in 2025.
Burke could work his way into a swing tackle role if heâs unable to beat out Glaze for the lead position at right tackle.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Expect Las Vegas to sign a veteran running back after the draft. Najee Harris is still available. For now, though, Spytek can fill the RB2 role with an experienced ball-carrier.
Kaytron Allen played through four collegiate seasons and led Penn State in rushing for three of those terms. He has three-down potential if heâs able to pick up his blocking assignments. The 5-11, 216-pounder caught 70 passes for 490 yards and four touchdowns with the Nittany Lions.
Kaelon Black is a popular pick for the Raiders because of his Indiana ties to Mendoza, but Kubiak may prefer a bigger tailback similar to his previous RB2, Zach Charbonnet, whoâs listed at 6-1, 214 pounds. At 5-9, 208 pounds, Black is a smaller running back.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Maxx Crosby should be healthy for the upcoming season, though Spytek canât ignore the wear and tear on the starâs body from surgeries over the years. The team shut him down, in part, for his own good, so he can start the recovery process from surgery on his meniscus.
All that said, the Raiders must improve their pass-rush depth. Free-agent acquisition Kwity Paye has the ability to line up in different spots, but Malcolm Koonce will play on another one-year prove-it deal.
Though Caden Curry doesnât have the twitchiness or athletic profile of an early-round prospect at the position, the 6â3âł, 257-pound defensive end could be an ascending player. In his only season as a starter at Ohio State, he recorded 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss.
Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Because of size limitations, Toriano Pride Jr. will likely be a late Day 3 prospect, but if not for his 5-10, 185-pound stature, he may have been a popular sleeper pick.
Pride played two years at Clemson and a couple at Missouri, logging four pass breakups and two interceptions in each of the last two collegiate seasons. He uses 4.32 speed to make up for a lack of size in coverage and tackles well in space.
Pride isnât going to line up against elite receivers on the pro level, but he could have a future at safety or in the nickel behind Taron Johnson.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Spytek discussed the mathematics of his safety room, which features only three players.
The Raiders need to double-dip at the position. They can take a chance on Bishop Fitzgerald, who can contribute on special teams and bring ball production to the back end of the defense.
Critics will knock Fitzgeraldâs athletic profile, but that didnât stop him from logging 24 pass breakups and 10 interceptions over the last two years at North Carolina State and USC.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Raiders finish the draft with another 300-plus-pounder who can stop the run but has more upside as a pass-rusher than Orange, whoâs projected to go in the middle rounds.
You need to look beyond the basic box score numbers to realize David Gustaâs potential to make plays beyond his ability to stop the run.
According to Pro Football Focus, Gusta registered 29 pressures with an 11 percent pass-rush win rate last season. Heâs an intriguing late-round prospect who can carve out a three-down role in a defensive line rotation. In 2025, the Kentucky product played 258 snaps in the A-gap, per PFF.
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Silver and Black Today â Powered by Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
Related Headlines