Let's take a closer look at each of the Raiders' 2026 draft picks as they're made.
. He has the size and frame at6-foot-5, 225 pounds to be an NFL quarterback. He is accurate and is a good decision-maker, which are two traits that Raiders coach Klint Kubiak wants from a quarterback.
For years, the Raiders have struggled to find a long-term answer at quarterback. Mendoza has the potential to solve this issue. Mendoza was stellar in the red zone for the Hoosiers in 2025, throwing 27 touchdowns and no interceptions. He also completed 73% of his passes -- the third-highest rate in the FBS.
Mendoza will be playing for minority owner Tom Brady, whom he has idolized since he started playing football. Mendoza said on "The Rich Eisen Show" that it would mean the world to play for Brady. The formerquarterback met with Mendoza at the facility on April 7 and is expected to be a mentor for the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. The Raiders have many directions they can take with their Day 2 picks.
Las Vegas has needs at defensive tackle, cornerback, safety, offensive tackle and wide receiver. It wouldn't be surprising if the Raiders take defensive players in the second and third rounds because of a lack of depth on that side of the ball. Las Vegas traded back twice during last year's draft. The Raiders could very well trade back again to obtain more picks.
In a deal with the Texans, the Raiders traded back to No. 38 and drafted Stukes, who fills a major need at safety. Stukes can play multiple spots, he took 363 snaps at slot cornerback and 161 at safety last season. He can make plays on the ball, totaling seven interceptions and 21 pass breakups in 55 career games. The Raiders entered the draft with only three safeties on the roster.
With that said, Stukes comes to Las Vegas with a strong opportunity to play a meaningful role in the secondary immediately. In addition to his playmaking ability, Stukes has tremendous acceleration and closing speed, which Las Vegas needs in the back end of the field. Las Vegas can line him up as a deep safety or slide him to nickel. This pick is a bit surprising.
The Raiders needed help at defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver and offensive line. But instead they took Crawford, despite signing. Crawford will be a solid player in the Raiders' edge rusher rotation. He played his first two seasons at Arkansas State before transferring to Auburn.
Crawford's numbers improved from Year 1 to Year 2 with the Tigers. After he totaled 23 pressures and no sacks in 2024, Crawford collected 36 pressures and five sacks last season. A team can never have enough edge rushers. But the Raiders could've used this pick to address more pressing needs.
For now, this pick is for depth. But Crawford has the potential to develop into a starter down the road. Koonce is playing on a one-year deal.
Meanwhile, the Raiders have yet to pick up's fifth-year option of $14.5 million, meaning he's expected to hit free agency in 2027. It's also worth noting that
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