The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft with ten picks in their arsenal, though only one in the first round. While their plans to trade Maxx Crosby didn't pan out, there's still plenty of action on the horizon. Let's dive into what the Raiders might be cooking up, using insights from the PFF 2026 NFL Mock Draft simulator.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 23, when the draft kicks off. The real excitement begins when the New York Jets make their move at pick No. 2, but everyone knows the Raiders are set to snag Fernando Mendoza first.
Mendoza is the top choice for a quarterback-hungry team like the Raiders. He’s not just a solid option; he’s built for greatness.
From his start as a 3-star recruit to his evolution through Yale, Cal, and Indiana, Mendoza has crafted a championship-winning resume. Critics have often overlooked his unique style and physical traits, but Mendoza’s focus has always been on one thing: winning.
If the Raiders play their cards right with the picks following Mendoza, he could continue his winning streak in the NFL.
The Raiders were hoping for a game-changing offensive lineman through a Crosby trade, but with that off the table, they could strike gold if Emmanuel Pregnon is available in the second round. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 314 pounds, Pregnon brings a fierce attitude that could make him an instant starter. While the Raiders missed out on a versatile lineman in the first round, Pregnon is a fantastic alternative.
In the backfield, Ashton Jeanty is the Raiders’ mainstay, but depth is key in today’s NFL. Enter Arkansas’ Mike Williams Jr., a promising complement to Jeanty.
At 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds, Williams boasts a lightning-fast 4.33-second 40-yard dash. Though he relies on speed, developing his physicality could elevate him from a change-of-pace back to a true partner in the Raiders’ running game.
On the defensive front, Keyron Crawford might not have the spotlight like his Auburn teammate Keldric Faulk, but he’s a raw talent with immense potential. Despite starting football late, Crawford’s journey from Arkansas State to the SEC shows his growth. With veterans like Kwity Paye and Maxx Crosby leading the charge, Crawford could develop into a formidable pass rusher for Las Vegas.
With a roster full of needs, the Raiders are in a prime position to select the best available players. Bud Clark from TCU, a 6-foot-1 safety known for his ball-hawking skills, could be a game-changer. Despite taking risks, his 15 interceptions in college prove his instincts often pay off.
Jaln Kilgore offers a contrasting style to Clark. Originally a corner, his size and physicality suggest a future as a safety or big nickel. With a knack for interceptions, Kilgore’s versatility is a gamble worth taking for the Raiders.
Aamil Wagner, a 6-foot-6 tackle from Notre Dame, brings stability and leadership to the table. While his upside might be limited, his experience and character could be invaluable. Meanwhile, Nolan Rucci, a 6-foot-8 former 5-star recruit, offers room for growth and potential future stardom on the line.
Skyler Gill-Howard, a high-energy defensive tackle from Texas Tech, could bolster the Raiders’ rotation with his quickness and tenacity. And then there’s Robert Spears-Jennings from Oklahoma. Despite some inconsistencies, his size and blazing speed make him a promising special teams asset with room to grow into a more impactful role.
The Raiders' draft strategy appears to be one of diversity and depth, aiming to cover multiple bases with a mix of ready-to-go talent and high-potential prospects. It’s a plan that could pay dividends as they look to build a competitive team for the future.