The 2026 NFL Draft is just over two weeks away and the three-day event starting on April 23 is the next milestone for the new-look Las Vegas Raiders.
It’ll be general manager John Spytek’s second jaunt in the league’s annual event to build a roster to head coach Klint Kubiak’s liking and the Silver & Black own 10 selections (currently). Round 1 kicks everything off on the 23rd while the second and third rounds take the spotlight on April 24. Then the excursion is rounded out with rounds four through seven on April 25.
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The picks below weren’t made on a whim as using simulators create some tension — both relief and disappointment — with picks flying off the board and changing the course pick-by-pick and round-by-round. So let’s get into it, my seven-round mock draft:
Round 1
No. 1 overall: Fernando Mendoza
Quarterback, Indiana
Now that veteran Kirk Cousins is in the Raiders’ fold and slated to be the starting quarterback, snagging this Hoosiers signal caller with the top overall pick gives Mendoza a golden opportunity to learn under a mentor with similar skillset.
As many quarterback prospects do, Mendoza put on a show at Indiana’s Pro Day as he exhibited sound velocity and arm power on his throws. Pair all that with a quick release and the anticipated connection with Kubiak makes this an intriguing combo for years to come.
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The concern: If it’s an open competition this offseason and Mendoza shows better than Cousins, would Kubiak and Co. be comfortable trotting out the No. 1 pick as QB1?
Round 2
No. 36 overall: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Safety, Toledo
With defensive tackle Kayden McDonald off the board (went late first round) in my simulation, I was more than happy to add an enforcer of a safety in this Rocket. With premiere size at 6-foot-3 1/2 and 201 pounds, McNeil-Warren is a classic downhill thumper who can strengthen the Raiders run defense by packing a wallop.
Able to play close to the line of scrimmage and be a robber, this Toledo product is no slouch in coverage as his read-and-react skills result in solid anticipation and he has the quickness to close and disrupt passes or dislodge the ball with his punishing hits. He’ll remind many of Charles Woodson as he seeks to punch the ball out with nine career forced fumbles.
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The concern: Would McNeil-Warren be a redundant presence with veteran Jeremy Chinn offering similar skillset? In any case, this prospect can make a run for a starting safety spot and likely push Isaiah Pola-Mao to a reserve role.
Round 3
No. 67 overall: Elijah Sarratt
Wide Receiver, Indiana
A pass catcher that Mendoza is all too familiar with and can also help create a safety net for veteran and presumed QB1 Cousins, Surratt is a contested-catch specialist with magnetic hands. I was eyeing a linebacker or cornerback with this pick but seeing Sarratt on the board, it was a quick decision.
Able to run precise routes alongside using his 6-foot-2 1/2 and 210-pound frame, he bullies defensive backs and high points the ball to provide quarterbacks an ample and reliable target. While he doesn’t have the elite vertical jets to torch defenders, Sarratt profiles as a chain mover and red zone killer with 44 career touchdowns.
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The concern: Is Surratt redundant to 2025 second-round pick Jack Bech? In the sense of a big physical receiver who has trouble separating from defensive backs — only to be exacerbated at the pro level.
Round 4
No. 102 overall: Tacario Davis
Cornerback, Washington
If Pete Carroll were still the Raiders coach, this Husky cornerback would’ve gone earlier due to his 6-foot-4, 194-pound frame and 33 3/8-inch arms. With elite size and a 4.41-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine, Davis is another throwback, old-school Silver & Black corner who can play aggressive press man.
A nuisance in coverage to to his height, length, and speed, Davis totaled 25 pass breakups and three interceptions at Washington and his wingspan gives him a wide net to tackle folk in the open field. His size also gives Davis the ability to take on and shed blockers and he’s willing to get his nose dirty in run defense.
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The concern: Smaller and quicker wide receivers can be a problem for this lanky defensive back and Davis also struggled hauling in interceptions just dropping passes cold.
No. 117 overall: Zxavian Harris
Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss
After watching the premiere nose tackle prospects go off the board in the first two rounds, nabbing this mammoth Rebel on Day 3 is a boon as Harris measured in at 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds at the combine. Able to be a true attention getter due to his size and bulk alone, Harris can anchor the middle of the Raiders 3-4 look at nose tackle and both hold the point of attack and pushing the pocket.
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While he lacks the explosiveness of other prospects and there are concerns with stamina and consistency, Harris provides a jolt and prototypical nose tackle size. Along with the power to maintain and shed blockers. Oh, and Harris knows current Raider and former Ole Miss product JJ Pegues.
No. 134 overall: Sam Roush
Tight End, Stanford
An elite in-line blocking tight end, Roush was an extension of the Cardinal offensive line and he’ll do the same in Las Vegas. A plug-and-play blocker who has the size (6-foot-6 and 267 pounds) and strength to latch on to defenders and the determination to get to the second level and attack linebackers, Roush brings blocking skillset that neither Brock Bowers or Michael Mayer bring to the table currently.
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His receiving skill set was untapped for much of his collegiate career, however, his unrefined breaks make him look like a robot. And this allows defenders to maintain man coverage.
Round 5
No. 175 overall: Adam Randall
Running Back, Clemson
Las Vegas has a need for a complementary back to workhorse Ashton Jeanty and this Tiger can fit that bill as both a power and receiving back as a former wide receiver. With elite size at 6-foot-3 and 232 pounds with 4.50-second 40-yard dash time, Randall is a straight-line speed demon who uses his muscular frame to break tackles.
He also has natural hands and the route running to put defenders in a blender. But at this stage, he’s too upright as a runner and his pass protection needs supreme refinement. But the fifth round is perfect spot to snag a prospect like Randall.
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Round 6
No. 185 overall: Bryce Boettcher
Linebacker, Oregon
The Raiders did well to bolster both the linebacker position and special teams via free agency, but both groups can use more talent and that’s where this Duck fits the bill. A fearless 6-foot-1 and 233-pound linebacker, Boettcher has a relentless motor and quick processing skillset to be a special teams maven while earning snaps on defense.
His lack of top-end speed makes him a liability in the pro game but it’s his desire and instincts that make up for a lot of shortcomings as he’s a physical and reliable tackler.
No. 208 overall: Nolan Rucci
Offensive Tackle, Penn State
At 6-foot-8 and 314 pounds, this Nittany Lion will quickly remind folk of current Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller due to height and size. That frame allows Rucci to engulf defenders but it’s his light feet and ability to move laterally and vertically which make him a fit for Las Vegas blocking scheme.
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He’s able to move wide and has the determination to attack the second level of opposing defenses by climbing up to and engaging linebackers. That’s a staple of the wide zone scheme Kubiak and his offensive line boss Rick Dennison are installing.
Round 7
No. 219 overall: Caden Curry
Edge, Ohio State
Las Vegas has the unlimited stamina edge rusher in Maxx Crosby, so why not bring another try-hard, relentless motor prospect to the edge in this Buckeyes’ defender? At 6-foot-3 and 257 pounds, Curry profiles as a stand-up edge in the Raiders’ 3-4 look and has the determination to ruin the opposing offense’s day.
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While he lacks the desire measurable and explosiveness of the edge, he has the power to set the edge, ruin the run while having enough juice to get after the quarterback.
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