Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft 2026 Preview | 10 Picks & Full 7-Round Mock

After a massive free agency spending spree, the Raiders’ roster is massively improved. What rookies will be added through the Las Vegas Raiders NFL draft 2026 to fill out the depth chart?

Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft 2026 Preview  (Las Vegas, NV): After a frenetic start to free agency, the waters have calmed, and the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock with the #1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite the late signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Silver & Black are projected to stay the course and select Indiana’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza as their quarterback of the future. However, what John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak choose to do with the rest of their draft picks remains to be seen.

The Raiders enter the draft with a whopping 10 picks, giving them the flexibility to add several rookies to their roster or package their picks to move up in the draft. With their first-round pick already determined, Las Vegas will have to find a way to extract maximum value from its remaining picks as the draft continues. Luckily for them, their free agency spending spree plugged a few of the many holes on the roster, specifically on defense. Look for most of the draft selections to focus on building up the offense around Mendoza and giving him some playmakers.

FSM’s Mock Draft: Raiders Draft Picks 2026 – Draft Order

Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft 2026 Preview : A Potential Trade Back Into Round 1 and Day 2 Picks

Now, by no means should the Raiders give up draft picks in next year’s draft to move back up the draft board. However, if there’s a player they covet and can package a few of this year’s picks, and maybe a player or two, to move back up, they should. The offense is desperately in need of a receiver, especially after last year’s picks, Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr., failed to deliver on their potential. Players like Jordyn Tyson and KC Concepcion could be available toward the end of the first round, and either one would be a great addition to the offense.

If the team decides to stay pat and wait until the second round, Mendoza’s former teammate, Omar Cooper Jr., should be available with their 36th overall pick. Quarterbacks who have played with receivers in college and the NFL have proven that their connection can make the jump, and Mendoza should be happy to play with Cooper Jr. again.

When their 3rd-round pick comes around, look for the Raiders to target an offensive lineman. Keylan Rutledge from Georgia Tech has only played guard, a position of need for the team, and his athleticism should help fit Kubiak’s scheme. Another option could be Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon, but he’s known to be a bit stiff, something that could deter him from reaching his full potential in Kubiak’s offense.

Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft 2026 Preview: Day 3 picks

Day 3 is where the Las Vegas Raiders could really win the draft. Armed with 7 picks for this day, the Raiders may have traded some of these selections away already, but if not, look for them to find some gems. A trio of fourth-round picks could be used on the secondary, adding to Taron Johnson and Eric Stokes. The defense needs cornerbacks and safeties, so either position should be targeted. Players like Bishop Fitzgerald (safety) from USC and Andre Fuller (cornerback) from Toledo should be available, giving the Raiders plenty of options.

Las Vegas then owns a 5th-round, a pair of 6th-rounders, and a 7th-round pick. One of those picks has to be a running back, as the team searches for a running mate for Ashton Jeanty. Kubiak ran the two-back set to perfection with the Seahawks, and if he can find a speedy guy who can catch, he would be the perfect complement to Jeanty. Robert Henry Jr. from UTSA would be a great change of pace back to add in the later rounds, allowing Jeanty to get a breather when he needs.

The Raiders should also target a defensive tackle, and somebody like Tywone Malone Jr. out of Ohio State could be the right move. His combination of power and long arms should help him rush the passer or defend the run.

Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft 2026 Preview: Concluding Thoughts

The Raiders spent a lot of their free agent money on the defensive side of the ball, adding a trio of linebackers and re-signing Eric Stokes to shore up the secondary. Now, it’s time for the offense to get some reinforcements. Adding a receiver would help set up Fernando Mendoza for success, especially now that he has a veteran mentor in Kirk Cousins. In addition, finding a running mate for Ashton Jeanty is vital, as the team needs someone who can complement his power and speed to keep the offense moving.

That being said, don’t expect every pick to be on the offensive side of the ball. Adding a cornerback and a defensive tackle should also be a priority for Spytek. Now that the linebacking core is filled out, and Maxx Crosby is officially back and ready to play with the Raiders, it’s time to address the other positions of need and fill the holes on the roster.

With just about a week to go until the draft, Spytek and Kubiak are finalizing their draft board and getting ready to add to the team. In what’s expected to be a trade-heavy draft, look for Spytek to make a few sawhat’sves if there are prospects the team really likes. As long as they stay away from trading away next year’s draft capital, Raider Nation can trust that the Raiders are on the right track and building toward the future. It all starts when Fernando Mendoza hears his name called first.

The NFL Draft 2026 begins next week on Thursday, April 23rd. Stay tuned for more updates on the Raiders’ offseason moves. Thank you for visiting FranchiseSportsMedia.com for the Raiders’ Las Vegas Sports news.

Franchise Sports Media. Las Vegas sports news about Las Vegas Sports teams.

– Bryson Doughty – Franchise Sports Media

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