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Raiders land massive DT talent in Mel Kiper’s 2-round mock draft
TL;DR
The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select defensive tackle Kayden McDonald from Ohio State with the No. 36 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, following their first overall pick of Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. McDonald recorded three sacks and nine tackles for loss in the 2025 season.
How will the Las Vegas Raiders follow up their likely No. 1 overall selection of Indiana’s Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Will the Raiders pair Mendoza with a wide receiver to forge continuity with from the onset of his career? Is Las Vegas intent on selecting a second running back to take pressure off of Ashton Jeanty next season? Or will the Raiders address their defensive line at No. 36 overall?
According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper (via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan), in his last mock draft of the cycle, the Raiders make the decision to go with Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald at No. 36 overall after taking Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
McDonald plays with power as well as quickness in the interior. The Georgia native recorded three sacks as well as nine tackles for loss in 2025 at Ohio State. The 6-2, 326-pounder also forced two fumbles on the year.
A unanimous first-team All-American from 2025, McDonald has the talent to be a defensive building block for the Raiders. He has the potential to help Las Vegas limit opponents’ time of possession and give Mendoza more time on the field to orchestrate the offense beginning in 2026.
Mendoza appears to be a foregone conclusion to go No. 1 overall to the Raiders for his arm talent, mechanics, as well as his mobility. The West Coast offense that Raiders coach Klint Kubiak will implement in 2026 will soon be Mendoza’s to run, even if he takes a back seat to Kirk Cousins in his rookie year.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders land massive DT talent in Mel Kiper’s 2-round mock draft
Q&A
Who is Kayden McDonald and what are his stats from the 2025 season?
Kayden McDonald is a defensive tackle from Ohio State who recorded three sacks and nine tackles for loss in the 2025 season.
What position will the Raiders likely address with their second pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Raiders are likely to address their defensive line by selecting Kayden McDonald with their second pick, No. 36 overall.
Who is the Raiders' first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Raiders' first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is expected to be Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana.
