Stan Son previews and breaks down everything you need to know about the Las Vegas Raiders heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Since the Raiders last made the Super Bowl in 2002, there have been two playoff appearances, two winning records, 15 different head coaches and more than 10 fingers worth of quarterbacks.
Rebuilding? More like status quo.
General manager John Spytek joined the team prior to last season and is already on his second head coach. After procuring Pete Carroll out of hibernation, Spytek brought in Klint Kubiak to guide the ship for 2026. At least he’s trying.
Fortunately, the Raiders have a ton of draft capital in 2026, including the No. 1 overall pick. Let’s break it all down.
The Raiders were huge players during the free agency period, plugging a ton of holes and making it rain like Pacman Jones at the club.
The offensive line was straight up offensive last season, as youth and injuries reared their ugly heads. Spytek shelled out $81 million over three seasons for center Tyler Linderbaum and signed Spencer Burford for depth. Health, infusion of talent and new offensive scheme should make the offensive line much improved.
The defense was bolstered with the signing of lineman Kwity Paye while linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean were given $40 million and $36 million, respectively. The unit still has that Maxx Crosby guy so the Raiders should be better on that side of the ball as well. Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao are both solid safeties, but the cornerbacks are the likely wildcard of the unit.
Running back Ashton Jeanty was the sixth overall pick in last year’s draft, and he should be able to showcase his talents more this season, especially with the Raiders signing fullback Connor Heyward in free agency. Behind Jeanty, the depth chart is uninspiring, so it wouldn’t surprise if a back or two are selected in the draft, but likely with minimal draft capital.
The tight end group is very strong with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, but the wide receiver group is lacking. Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker and Jack Bech are all solid in their own ways, but none command a double-team or make defensive coordinators tremble in fear. This draft class is deep at the position, so a few stabs are likely.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was signed in free agency to be the short-term bridge for Fernando Mendoza, who the Raiders will all but certainly select with the No. 1 overall pick.
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