NFL 2026 Draft Review: Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are going through their second coaching change in consecutive seasons after going 3-14 last season. Whatever happened last season in Vegas needs to stay in the past.

The new rebuild will be led by new head coach Klint Kubiak. Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks last season. He will be looking to add some firepower to the league's worst-ranked offense last year. However, this rebuild could possibly have a strong foundation with the team having 10 picks in this year's NFL Draft.

Round 1, Pick 1: Fernando Mendoza - QB - Indiana. 6'4", 236 lbs (273 comp, 379 att, 72 comp pct, 3,535 yds, 41 TD, 6 INT, 276 rush yds, 7 rush TD).

Even Raiders owner Mark Davis could not mess this pick up. Mendoza was the best player in this year's NFL Draft. In one season with the Hoosiers, he improved from an unheralded transfer to leading the team to a championship. What stands out about his play is his accuracy, his arm strength, and his toughness.

He will need that toughness he displayed last season because he will have to learn quickly. Las Vegas signed QB Kirk Cousins to begin the season as the starter. However, Cousins has not played in a full season since 2022. Mendoza will eventually have to play during this upcoming season.

Round 2, Pick 6: Treydan Stukes - S - Arizona. 6'0", 190 lbs (52 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 4 INT, 6 pass deflections).

Stukes has the ability to make plays in the defensive backfield with interceptions and pass deflections along with stepping up to make tackles. His versatility will help out the Raiders secondary as well because he is able to play at either safety or at cornerback. Stukes will be starting somewhere on defense.

Round 3, Pick 3: Keyron Crawford - DE - Auburn. 6'4", 253 lbs (36 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery).

Crawford is a speed rusher that is looking to create havoc on every play. He will see time right away against passing downs.

Round 3, Pick 27: Trey Zuhn III - C - Texas A&M. 6'6", 312 lbs.

Zuhn III mostly played at tackle for most of his college career, but he also played at center last season due to injury. For this upcoming season, his versatility will add depth to the offensive line.

Round 4, Pick 1: Jermod McCoy - CB - Tennessee. 6'0", 188 lbs (44 tackles, .5 tackles for loss, 4 INT, 9 pass deflections, 59 punt return yds - 2024 stats).

McCoy did not play last season due to a torn ACL, which explains why he dropped to the fourth round. If he is anywhere close to his form from two years ago, then he will start right away at cornerback.

Round 4, Pick 22: Mike Washington, Jr. - RB - Arkansas. 6'1", 223 lbs (167 rush, 1,070 yds, 6.4 yds/rush, 8 TD, 226 rec yds, 1 rec TD).

Washington, Jr. will be given the chance to compete for the backup RB spot behind Ashton Jeanty. Besides Jeanty, no other player ran for over 150 yards last season.

Round 5, Pick 10: Dalton Johnson - S - Arizona. 5'10", 192 lbs (97 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 INT, 7 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery).

Johnson dropped in this draft to the fifth round because he is undersized at strong safety. However, he will be given time to develop at nickel back.

Round 5, Pick 35: Hezekiah Masses - CB - California. 6'1", 179 lbs (47 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 5 INT, 13 pass deflections).

Hezekiah Masses quite possibly has the best name in the NFL right now. He is a tall corner that is able to disrupt passes against opposing receivers. He dropped in this draft because he will have to put on another 10-15 pounds on his frame. Nevertheless, he should see plenty of time in a Raiders secondary that only had 8 interceptions last season.

Round 6, Pick 14: Malik Benson - WR - Oregon. 6'0", 189 lbs (43 rec, 719 yds, 16.7 yds/rec, 6 TD, 161 punt ret yds, 1 punt ret TD).

His speed will add a deep threat to the offense, which is needed because no receiver on Las Vegas had more than 700 yards receiving last season. Also, his return skills will help out right away for the Raiders.

Round 7, Pick 13: Brandon Cleveland - DT - North Carolina State. 6'3", 307 lbs (36 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks).

Cleveland will add depth at defensive tackle. He is more effective against the run.

Overview: The Raiders are hoping that Mendoza will turn into a franchise quarterback. Las Vegas then added depth along the defensive line and in the secondary. Bringing in a backup RB is immense because more of a rushing attack is needed in order to have a chance to be in more games this season. Grade: B.