The day that the Las Vegas Raiders have been waiting for is almost here. After a dreadful 2025 season, the Raiders earned the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, the team is ready use that, along with their nine other picks, to finally improve their roster.
The Raiders have already started their rebuilding of the roster. Let’s go through a mock draft of the 2026 NFL Draft to see who Las Vegas will be able to pick up next week.
A quick rundown of the Raiders’ draft situation
The Raiders have a total of ten draft picks in this year’s NFL draft. The team has been diligently stockpiling draft capital over the last few years, and this is the result of their efforts. They have one first-round pick, one second and third-rounder each, three fourth-round picks, three fifth-round picks, two sixth-round picks, and one seventh-rounder.
As for what the Raiders’ needs are, the most common needs that are mentioned are wide receiver, quarterback, and defensive tackle. The Raiders could also use some bolstering at the tackle positions and a new safety, but these are secondary needs compared to the rest of the class.
With all that in place, let’s craft a mock draft for the Raiders.
Round 1, Pick #1 – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
There’s no doubt at this point that the Raiders are picking Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It just makes a lot of sense. Mendoza has the prototypical body of an elite quarterback and has all the tools to be a successful signal-caller in the pros. Pocket presence, accuracy, processing, and arm strength: Mendoza has it all. For a team that badly needs a quarterback, Mendoza is the perfect fit.
Round 2, Pick #36 – WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
The Raiders already have one of the best tight ends in the league in Brock Bowers. They also signed former Vikings WR Jalen Nailor, who was an underrated piece for that team. However, their receiving core still leaves a lot to be desired. KC Concepcion is an ultra-versatile wide receiver who can play from any position on the field, something that new head coach Klint Kubiak loves to do to his wide receivers. Concepcion can play the Jaxon Smith-Njigba role that Kubiak had with the Seahawks last year.
Round 3, Pick #67 – IDL Domonique Orange, Iowa State
With Maxx Crosby returning to the team for the meantime, the Raiders are pretty much secure at the edges. They also signed Kwiti Paye as a depth piece and to be potentially the other edge rusher opposite of Crosby. However, their interior defensive line could use some more pieces. Drafting Orange, who possesses immense power at 6’4 and 325, will help eat up space in the middle for Crosby and Paye to work their magic on the edges.
Round 4, Pick #102 – OT Markel Bell, Miami
Perhaps the most physically imposing players at his position, 6’9, 345-lb Markel Bell is a unique specimen who towers over even NFL-caliber offensive linemen. His size can become a disadvantage at times, but he’s shown marked improvement in pass protection and can be valuable in spurts while he develops in the league.
Round 4, Pick #117 – OT Kage Casey, Boise State
Double-dipping at the tackle position in the fourth round, Casey was projected to be a first-round pick at one point. While his draft stock has fallen since then, Casey still brings a well-rounded game to the table. Plus, his familiarity with RB Ashton Jeanty could play a factor in their chemistry.
Round 4, Pick #134 – WR Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
The Raiders already have a speedster in Concepcion to stretch the field. Why not add a big-bodied wide receiver who excels in contested catching. Spending a Day 3 pick on Lane wouldn’t be the worst option, especially if his catching in traffic ability excels and he gets better at creating separation.
Round 5, Pick #175 – S Michael Taaffe, Texas
Taaffe isn’t the best athlete in this year’s safety class. What the Longhorns alumnus brings to the table, though, is his on-field awareness and quick processing to get to his spot faster than the offense. He should be a welcome addition to a Raiders secondary that could stand to improve after last season. He scored a whopping 89.4 in coverage last season, according to PFF.
Round 5, Pick #185 – ED Caden Curry, Ohio State
Curry doesn’t have a lot of discernible film, and he’s relatively unknown compared to his peers. However, his one-year tape in OSU as a starter is encouraged. There are a lot of minute details that Curry still needs to pick up to be an effective edge rusher, but the Raiders can perhaps take a flier and see if it works out.
Round 6, Pick #208 – VJ Payne, Penn State
An agile safety with NFL-level size, Payne is a nice prospect to hold on to for the Raiders as they look to build their secondary.
Round 7, Pick #219 – RB Roman Hemby, Indiana
The Raiders do already have their running back of the future in Ashton Jeanty, but they could use a backup option. Hemby isn’t the most explosive runner, but he’s got the smarts, the vision, and the toughness to succeed as a third-down back. Plus, he was teammates with Mendoza last year.
The day that the Las Vegas Raiders have been waiting for is almost here. After a dreadful 2025 season, the Raiders earned the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, the team is ready use that, along with their nine other picks, to finally improve their roster. The Raiders have already started their rebuilding of the roster.