Raiders' draft grades reveal an AFC West rival on the rise

While it looks like the Kansas City Chiefs enjoyed a very solid draft class all-around with a strong defensive emphasis for a team ushering in a youth movement on that side of the ball, it's also important to remember every other AFC West rival has focused on long-term improvement as well.

So far, we've already judged the 2026 NFL Draft hauls of the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers, who are the primary contenders for the divisional crown. But we shouldn't leave out the Las Vegas Raiders, who might have just put together their most important rookie class in a generation if they got things right at No. 1 overall.

Pick 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana - Grade: A+

We knew who the Raiders were going to take with the first overall pick from the moment they landed it, and they did not mess it up. Mendoza was a no-brainer at number one, clearly being the best quarterback in the class with the potential to be the Raiders' franchise guy for years to come. Clearly an A+ grade as the Raiders made the obvious selection at number one overall.

Pick 38: Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona - Grade: B+

The Raiders' secondary was one of the worst in football, and they used the 2026 draft to seriously rebuild the back end of their defense. Stukes is the first pickup the Raiders made in the secondary and will likely serve as their hybrid safety/nickel corner. Once a 0-star walk-on at Arizona, Stukes has a great story and has been a leader on the Wildcats' defense over the last several years. Now he will be a big part of the future in the Raiders' secondary.

Pick 67: Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn - Grade: C+

With the new coaching staff coming to the Raiders this offseason, so does a new defensive scheme. New Raiders DC Rob Leonard is transitioning the LV defense to a 3-4, and Crawford becomes his traditional OLB pass rusher. Crawford is limited in his ability to impact the game beyond being a pass rusher, and pick 67 was a bit rich for me.

Pick 91: Trey Zuhn III, OL, Texas A&M - Grade: C+

One of the most interesting prospects in the draft, Zuhn was the starting left tackle for Texas A&M in 2025, but most everyone expected him to move inside at the NFL level. More predictions had Zuhn moving to center, but with the Raiders signing Tyler Linderbaum to a historic contract, this seems all but impossible. Zuhn is now likely to play guard and will potentially take the utility OL role from DJ Glaze.

Pick 101: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee - Grade: A

Following a 2024 season where he looked like he was maybe the best defensive back in the nation, it seemed like a lock that McCoy would be a top-10 draft pick in the 2026 draft, but a torn ACL sidelined McCoy for the entire 2025 season, a major red flag. Followed by bone plug and cartilage concerns, McCoy's red flags proved to be too much for many draft scouts. The Raiders traded up to the first pick in the fourth round, and if they can get McCoy healthy with plenty of time to be patient, they may have landed a superstar.

Pick 122: Mike Washington, RB, Arkansas - Grade: A

Washington was maybe the most athletic running back in the draft, and now he and Ashton Jeanty will make for one of the best young RB rooms in the NFL. Washington has a massive frame, blazing speed, and is a constant big-play threat out of the backfield. While he is likely a depth piece, Washington was my RB2 in the draft, and I love his upside.

Pick 150: Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona - Grade: B+

The Raiders were desperate to reload their secondary, and their third DB pickup in the draft keeps two Arizona teammates together in the NFL. Johnson was a pure free safety with the Wildcats, and his range is incredible. He has exceptional ball skills and will now stay alongside one of his best friends from college in the Raiders' secondary. Johnson will now serve as a pure free safety for the Raiders as they open up their defense to run more DB-heavy packages.

Pick 175: Hezekiah Masses, CB, California - Grade: A-

Masses was one of my favorite depth corners in the draft, who I think has the tools to be an effective boundary corner in any NFL defensive scheme. He has a good frame but plays somewhat thin and will likely serve as a special-teams gunner to start his NFL career. Masses very well could earn a starting job over time, but for now, it is a great depth pickup in the fifth round.

Pick 195: Malik Benson, WR, Oregon - Grade: A

Benson had a top-30 interview with the Chiefs after his breakout season with Oregon in 2025. Once a top JUCO prospect, Benson bounced around some before landing at Oregon for his final season of eligibility. After some injuries struck the Ducks' WR room, Benson found a major role and looked to be the prospect everyone wanted to see out of JUCO. Benson is an inside-out WR threat who will provide great depth for the Raiders' rebuilt offense.

Pick 229: Brandon Cleveland, IDL, NC State - Grade: B

As we mentioned above with Keyron Crawford, the Raiders are making a switch to an odd front defense, and adding a nose tackle in the draft felt like a no-brainer. Cleveland has minimal pass-rush production, but his big, stocky frame and consistent run defense make him a strong DL prospect. The Raiders will lean on two big defensive tackles to eat blocks and clog lanes while Maxx Crosby and Crawford fight their way to the quarterback.

Best UDFA: Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana

Hemby was my guy in the draft for a wide range of reasons, and I think he breaks camp at minimum on the Raiders' practice squad. While he is thin and a subpar pass protector, Hemby is explosive in space and has reliable hands to make plays in the pass game. He fights through contact well, but he is a poor pass protector, which will limit how much he can be on the field in the pass game. Hemby could make the Raiders' Week 1 roster, and I think he has the skills to be a heavy contributor to an NFL RB room.

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