The Las Vegas Raiders proved to fall flat on all cylinders in 2025 with the worst record in the NFL. Coming off a 3-14 season, the Raiders made plenty of star-studded moves in this year’s free agency class. The excitement is building as a new chapter begins under Head Coach Klint Kubiak and second-year general manager John Spytek. Can the Raiders finally build stability after a decades-long struggle to find success?
A clean slate awaits the silver and black in 2026 as the team looks to add new faces to accompany their young core of stars. Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and the face of the franchise himself, Maxx Crosby, are dialed in on bringing success to Las Vegas. The NFL Draft will kick off with the Raiders who own the first overall pick.
Raiders Draft Picks:
- Round 1: Pick 1
- Round 2: Pick 36
- Round 3: Pick 67
- Round 4: Pick 102
- Round 4: Pick 117 – from Jaguars
- Round 4: Pick 134
- Round 5: Pick 175
- Round 6: Pick 185
- Round 6: Pick 208 – from Jets
- Round 7: Pick 219
The Raiders came out on top of this year’s free agency class by aggressively pursuing center Tyler Linderbaum, linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, and adding defensive end Kwity Paye. The team also extended defensive end Malcolm Koonce and cornerback Eric Stokes, retaining continuity in their 3-4 base defense. Addressing the defense was key in the team’s rebuild; meanwhile, it creates an opportunity to fill other holes in this draft class.
The Raiders will have 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, all of which they can use as leverage to pursue a potential trade.
Raiders Positions of Need:
- QB
- IDL
- S
- WR
- CB
Raiders Key Draft Targets:
Fernando Mendoza – QB – Indiana
The one prospect that the Raiders have been anticipating to get as their next franchise quarterback is nearly a reality. Fernando Mendoza has Raider Nation grinning from ear to ear, as they are only a few weeks away from drafting him as the first overall pick. The Heisman winner had an incredible run at Indiana, going undefeated to triumph over Miami in the National Championship.
At 6-foot-5, 225lbs, Mendoza possesses key qualities that should give the Raiders the confidence that they have found their franchise quarterback. Mendoza’s most notable quality is that he is a natural pocket passer who threads his precision in accuracy. His ability to quickly process defenses and make effective decisions allows him to lead his offense efficiently.
Mendoza can be a clutch factor in the red zone, where he has scored countless times, no matter what the situation looks like. His toughness overall shows he is willing to put his body on the line for his team.
Lee Hunter – DT – Texas Tech
The Raiders need to address the interior defensive line in this year’s draft class. Lee Hunter can provide solid support up the middle that the silver and black need. Hunter provides the ability to bull-rush, which can pressure the pocket for quarterbacks due to his immense power and size at 6-foot-3, 318 lbs. Another upside to Hunter is how he shreds blocking against centers, causing a nightmare when matched up one-on-one.
Lee Hunter is coming off a big year after being named First-Team All-Big 12 and starting all 14 games on the season. He fits the bill as to what the Raiders look for in a polished nose tackle overall. Hunter is surely expected to come off the draft board in the second round, so Las Vegas nabbing him with their second selection would make sense.
Ja’Kobi Lane – WR – USC
The Raiders need a big body receiver that can eventually develop into their designated target. Jakobi Lane out of USC is a prospect that surely will catch attention in this year’s class of wide receivers. Lane has a dynamic catch radius for being 6-foot-4, especially when contested, and can make quick grabs with his length. Cornerbacks have a difficult time covering Lane in fade routes due to the adjustments he can make late in routes as well.
He is very light on his feet, which contributes to his swift change of direction between routes. Lane is expected to come out of the third or fourth round, meaning he can fall right into the Raiders’ hands at pick 67. The team, in general, should target Lane to address their need at wide receiver.
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