Here’s a closer look at the Raiders’ 2026 draft class:
Instant impact player — Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona, Round 2, No. 38
Like a lot of teams, the Raiders will line up in plenty of three-safety formations, and by sheer lack of numbers in that room, Stukes has a chance to earn early playing time.
But this isn’t a case of handing an incapable player a job simply because of a need. Stukes was a big-time draft riser as a versatile secondary player able to line up all over the field, provide excellent pass coverage and lay the wood in the run game.
Steal/Best value pick — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Round 4, No. 101
Based on talent alone, McCoy was viewed as one of the top two cornerbacks in the draft. In many draft rooms, he was CB1. The serious knee injury he suffered at the end of the 2024 season, coupled with concerns he may need additional surgery to alleviate a degenerative issue in the knee, pushed him into the fourth round.
If he can stay healthy — that is a big if, of course — he will be the steal of the entire draft, not just the Raiders’ class.
Best player in 5 years — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, Round 1, No. 1
The Raiders invested the first overall pick in the Indiana Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, so they need this to be the case. The future of their franchise rests on his shoulders and his ability to live up to the hype.
The reason he is likely to do that is his talent, work ethic, intelligence and the determination of the Raiders, now led by Tom Brady, general manager John Spytek and coach Klint Kubiak, to build a great infrastructure around him.
Most questionable pick — Trey Zuhn III, G, Texas A&M, Round 3, No. 91
The Raiders seemingly had a bigger need at right tackle, where DJ Glaze and second-year prospect Charles Grant will battle for the job, than at guard, where there is hope for Jackson Powers-Johnson, Caleb Rogers and Jordan Meredith. So it was a mild surprise they used a top-100 pick on another interior offensive lineman.