The Las Vegas Raiders had a successful 2026 NFL Draft, highlighted by their first-round pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They focused on strengthening both their defense and offense with strategic selections throughout the draft.
Key points
Raiders had a successful 2026 NFL Draft
First round pick was QB Fernando Mendoza from Indiana
Focused on strengthening defense and offense
Drafted a total of nine players
Klint Kubiak begins his head coaching career
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have finished their draft class, and it’s much better than anyopne could have anticipated.
The Las Vegas Raiders started the 2026 NFL Draft off with a bang by selecting the guy everyone knew they would take. Then, they continued their strong draft by loading up on defense and making some really good offensive moves.
Round 4, No. 122: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
Round 5, No. 150: Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona
Round 5, No. 175: Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
Round 6, No. 195: Malik Benson, WR, Oregon
Round 7, No. 229: Brandon Cleveland, DT, NC State
Final Word
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Las Vegas Raiders were never going to do anything else at No. 1. They got the best guy at the most important position in sports. So, I'd give this grade an A+. To be honest, there's not much else to say. The Raiders are getting a winner.
**GRADE:**A+
Round 2, No. 38: Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
The Raiders had a HUGE need at safety, maybe their biggest need on the entire roster, due to reasons we have already listed. So, in that regard alone, getting the third-best safety in this class lands them at an A. Then, you add on to the fact that the Raiders traded back to get him, and it's an A+. Vegas moved up from 117 to 91, and it doesn't get much better than that. GRADE: A+
Round 3, No. 67: Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn
I originally graded this one poorly. Then they traded Tyree Wilson, and that logjam became a bit freer. And, I started to watch more and more tape on Crawford. He’s going to get to the quarterback, and that’s what they need.
**GRADE:**B+
Q&A
Who did the Las Vegas Raiders select in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback from Indiana, with the first overall pick.
What positions did the Raiders address in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Raiders focused on both offense and defense, selecting players such as a safety, EDGE, and offensive guard.
How many players did the Raiders draft in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Raiders drafted a total of nine players in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What impact will Klint Kubiak's first draft have on his coaching career?
Klint Kubiak's successful draft class provides a strong foundation for his head coaching career with the Raiders.
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Round 3, No. 91: Trey Zuhn, OG, Texas A&M
He does have short arms. And he does lack some recovery agility, though. Some of his pass pro snaps when covering the A gap aren't the best, but they're good enough. Honestly, Zuhn could be the Day 1 starter, and win the battle right away, he's that good. For me, this is more of a love-the-player, the-pick kind of thing.
**GRADE:**B
Round 4, No. 101: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Las Vegas Raiders needed another cornerback, especially if Darien Porter doesn't turn into what they think he will. In that regard, they're addressing a need. They got a first-round talent in the fourth round. Those two things alone would make this pick an A+. However, the knee issue is very scary. That alone drops this down to a B for me.
**GRADE:**B
Round 4, No. 122: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
The Raiders moved up to get their guy, and there's a strong possibility he wouldn't have been there at No. 134, where they were before the trade. There were several teams ahead of them that had a need at running back. Washington may not be able to be a starting RB in the NFL right away, but he can certainly be an amazing backup RB right away. This pick is perfect.
**GRADE:**A-
Round 5, No. 150: Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona
The Raiders really needed another safety, and another safety who can cover a bit. They got that in Johnson, andthey traded up to get him during a moment when defensive backs started to make a run. This is a good pick by the Raiders, but I expected another safety later in the draft. I give it a B+
**GRADE:**B+
Round 5, No. 175: Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
The Raiders really addressed the CB room well, and I believe got two guys who can be starters next season. Masses is extremely good in coverage, but it is raw. He has a lot to learn and develop. This one is a B+, only not better, because I think they could have addressed something else, like WR or DT. GRADE: B+
Round 6, No. 195: Malik Benson, WR, Oregon
The Raiders got a deep threat WR that can develop into a nice depth piece, and they did that in the sixth round. I think this is a B grade, but it would be better if they addressed the position earlier. GRADE: B
Round 7, No. 229: Brandon Cleveland, DT, NC State
Cleveland has really good size for what the Raiders need there in the middle. And, he's not a bad run stopper. However, I'm not sure if he will ever see the field as a rookie. This one is a C. GRADE: C
Final Word
The Las Vegas Raiders aced their first draft class of the Klint Kubiak era, and John Spytek gave him a good group of players to work with. They addressed every single need in some type of way. They may not have done it the way everyone would have liked, but there’s only so many picks to go around, and the Raiders had a lot to address.