The Las Vegas Raiders have big decisions to make over the next three days. Of course, the first pick won’t be a tough call, but general manager John Spytek has nine other selections after the first round, and he needs immediate contributors.
Last year, the Raiders added 11 rookies to their roster. Though other than running back Ashton Jeanty, the 2025 class had an underwhelming season. The previous coaching staff favored veterans like Alex Cappa and Tyler Lockett over Caleb Rogers and Jack Bech or Dont’e Thornton Jr.
The Raiders could see tremendous growth if this year’s class sees playing time, along with last year’s group.
Las Vegas is only hours away from being on the clock. In the meantime, here’s one final 2026 mock draft for the Silver and Black. These selections are based on how the team could fill roster needs.
Related: Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Round 1 With Trades
The only lock in this year’s draft. Once the Raiders solidified the No. 1 spot in the order, everyone knew they would shift their attention to Fernando Mendoza, who put on a show in front of Raiders brass during the College Football Playoffs.
Raiders owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady here at Hard Rock Stadium for the CFP Playoff national championship. Raiders have their eye on Fernando Mendoza for the team’s No. 1 NFL Draft pick. #vegas #raidernation #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/i8LuufjrTV
General manager John Spytek can turn in the card once the clock starts ticking Thursday night. Mendoza will be the glimmer of hope this franchise needs to get back on the right track.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft: John Spytek’s 10 Picks, 4 Positions That Must Be Addressed
According to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden and Matt Miller, the Raiders will consider a second-round prospect who can help Mendoza, an offensive tackle or a wide receiver.
If that’s the case, a wideout would likely have a more immediate impact because of a clear pathway to playing time on the field. Unless Las Vegas trades DJ Glaze, a rookie right tackle would have to compete with him for the job.
As rookies, Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. played sparingly. Also, Spytek drafted them for former play-caller Chip Kelly’s offense. Offensive-minded head coach Klint Kubiak may want a different skill set or type of receiver for his system.
Germie Bernard would be an ideal fit because of his ability to line up at all three receiver spots. Also, his experience in a motion-heavy offense should translate well to Kubiak’s scheme, which involves pre-snap movement to expose mismatches.
Though Bernard doesn’t have breakaway speed, he’s tough to bring down after the catch. More importantly, he rarely dropped passes in college. Kubiak can rely on him as a reliable high-IQ playmaker to eventually lead his receiver corps.
A.J. Haulcy would give the Raiders the best of both worlds at safety. He can set the tone for the back end of the defense with bone-jarring tackles and force turnovers in coverage.
Over the last two years at Houston and LSU, Haulcy became a football magnet, recording eight interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He also played with controlled aggression and went through the previous campaign without committing a penalty.
Haulcy is a well-rounded safety who could earn immediate playing time because of his ball skills. If necessary, he’ll stand out on special teams while working his way up the depth chart.
Domonique Orange’s skill set and recent experience fit exactly what the Raiders need in the middle of their defense.
Defensive tackles Jonah Laulu and Tonka Hemingway should play more snaps in the upcoming season after they logged four sacks apiece. Las Vegas needs a nose tackle to take on double-teams and stop the run.
According to Pro Football Focus, Orange played the second-most snaps (412) in the A-gap among FBS players. The 6-2, 325-pounder can start Day 1 at nose tackle in defensive coordinator Rob Leonard’s 3-4 defense.