Raiders GM John Spytek indicated the team needs to draft at least two safeties in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft due to a lack of depth and experience at the position. He emphasized the importance of addressing this roster issue with a strong safety class available.
The Las Vegas Raiders may need to walk out of the 2026 NFL Draft with at least two safeties, as GM John Spytek signaled something will have to be done.
When you look at this team's roster, there is one glaring hole. Their biggest issue is undoubtedly having only one behind them with very little experience. But this isn't new-general manager John Spytek addressed the issue with the media on Tuesday.
Load next article
Related Articles
Sports
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
“We have three safeties on the roster now," Spytek said when asked about his thoughts on the safety room and the class during the pre-draft press conference.
"That’s just a math equation that we should add one to, and it’s a very good safety class. Obviously, it’s something we have to attack, and I’m glad the class looks the way it does.”
Raiders have to address the safety issue in the draft at least once, maybe twice
The team must draft at least one safety who can cover and step in if Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao depart. The Raiders just tendered an exclusive-rights tender to Tristin McCollum, adding some of the same depth they had last season. With three safeties on the roster, they need about three more. And, McCollum cannot be the guy to take over for Pola-Mao and Chinn.
McCollum, who previously played for the Texans and Eagles, joined the Raiders last season. He logged 142 snaps, including 92 in coverage, with his playing time spiking to 30 coverage snaps each in Weeks 9 and 18. He finished the year with just nine tackles and allowed only three catches on four targets for 28 yards in coverage. The biggest play he gave up was a 19-yarder, and he surrendered a total of 15 Yards After the Catch (YAC).
Another issue here is that the Raiders have met with only five safeties in this pre-draft process. One of those is Caleb Downs, too, and there is no way they draft Downs. Well, unless they trade back into the high end of the first round. They have met with Arizona safety Treydan Stukes, Arizona safety Genesis Smith, Wofford safety Maximus Pulley, and USC safety Kamari Ramsey.
And just because they have met with those guys, it doesn't mean they will draft one. They will more than likely draft someone they haven't met with than someone they have. Either way, it feels like the Raiders need to come away with two safeties out of this draft. They have a specific need that fans need to be on the lookout for, though.
The Raiders need a safety that can cover. Right now, their two starters are both guys who don’t really excel at that. Pola-Mao allowed 13 catches on 27 targets for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Chinn, who played fewer coverage snaps and was in the box more often, wasn’t much better. He allowed 16 catches on 22 targets but for just 144 yards and four touchdowns.
They should be looking for a safety in that second to fourth round range in terms of someone who may have the ability to play as a rotational third safety in this defense. Some of the guys who kind of fit their scheme are Ramsey, Stukes, Smith, Bud Clark, Jalen Kilgore, VJ Payne, Keionte Scott, Jakobe Thomas, and AJ Haulcy. If they can land one of these guys, they could very well have their future cover safety.
Q&A
What did Raiders GM John Spytek say about the team's safety position?
John Spytek stated that the Raiders currently have only three safeties and need to add at least one more due to a lack of experience.
How many safeties do the Raiders need to draft in 2026?
The Raiders need to draft at least two safeties in the 2026 NFL Draft to address their roster issues.
Why is the safety position a concern for the Raiders?
The safety position is a concern because the Raiders have only one experienced player and limited depth at that position.
What is notable about the 2026 NFL Draft safety class?
The 2026 NFL Draft features a very good safety class, which Spytek believes the Raiders should take advantage of to improve their roster.
Sports
Every first-round pick made by Packers GM Brian Gutekunst since 2018 (2026 update)
A look at every first-round pick by Packers GM Brian Gutekunst since 2018.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL·Feature
Alex Ovechkin 'pretty sure' he hasn't played his last game with Capitals
Alex Ovechkin hints he may not have played his last game with the Capitals
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Feature
Texas hosting two top-10 prospects on Thursday
Texas Longhorns welcome top-10 prospects Monshun Sales and John Meredith III this Thursday.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Subaru vs Hyundai Set For Showdown at 2026 Nürburgring 24h
Subaru vs Hyundai: A New Rivalry at the 2026 Nürburgring 24h
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Tennis·Injury Update
Carlos Alcaraz forced to pull out of Barcelona Open as injury issues continue
Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Barcelona Open after wrist injury