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Raiders GM John Spytek makes announcement on starting QB timeline
TL;DR
Raiders GM John Spytek announced that the team's scouting department is preparing for the upcoming draft, emphasizing the need for early evaluations due to player transfers and NIL deals. The focus is on identifying standout players to secure during the draft process.
Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks to the media during a press conference, Tuesday February 10, 2026 in Henderson, Nev.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ scouting department has worked hard all year. The draft process begins every May, and for scouts, this is their Super Bowl. New names like Brian Stark, Brandon Hunt, Anthony Patch, and John Spytek have joined the Raiders.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza transferred from the California Golden Bears to the Indiana Hoosiers, and Assistant GM Stark explained that because of the transfer portal and NIL, evaluations now have to start earlier. Scouts must gather information from sources at every school.
“If there's a player that stands out that we feel it's not worth losing, it's not worth even picking up the phone, then we'll just make the pick,” General Manager John Spytek said in the pre-draft press conference.
“If it's a player that we're not as excited about or there's a group of players that we would love to to pick from and we can get value for that then we're certainly open to listening to that.”
Last year, the Raiders traded back twice in the second round and felt they accumulated strong draft capital. “We’d be open to doing that again,” Spytek added.
Las Vegas Raiders newly hired General Manager John Spytek speaks to the media during a press conference, Monday January 27, 2025 in Henderson, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong- The Sporting Tribune
Las Vegas Raiders newly hired General Manager John Spytek speaks to the media during a press conference, Monday January 27, 2025 in Henderson, Nev.
According to Spytek, the Raiders won’t make drastic changes, but there will be some new faces in the draft room this year. They also have a brand-new draft room:
“I think it's state-of-the-art. I think it's the best in the NFL. I don't think that's up for discussion… but we'll have that thing ready to rock on Thursday next week.”
Last week, draft meetings were held with head coach Klint Kubiak and his staff, producing excellent evaluations of players. The focus was on identifying the top 10 players for the Raiders at this stage. On the quarterback decision, Spytek said they’ll decide after training camp:
“Ultimately, this is a meritocracy, and the best guy will play. It's just really hard to play really well at a young age, but we've seen plenty of quarterbacks do it recently… obviously, we added Kirk (Cousins), we have Aidan (O'Connell). We'll see how it goes but the best man will play.”
Spytek noted he was pleased with how cornerback Darien Porter finished last season. His offseason has been strong, and Spytek has seen significant physical improvement.
“If we feel like adding another corner, another linebacker is in the best interest of us, we'll do it,” he said.
Q&A
What did Raiders GM John Spytek say about the quarterback situation?
John Spytek highlighted the importance of early evaluations in the scouting process, particularly due to player transfers and NIL impacts.
Who are the new members of the Raiders scouting department?
The new members include Brian Stark, Brandon Hunt, Anthony Patch, and John Spytek himself.
How does the transfer portal affect the Raiders' draft strategy?
The transfer portal requires scouts to start evaluations earlier to ensure they don't miss out on standout players who may be available in the draft.
