Story by
Las Vegas Raiders Draft Recap: Getting to know the picks, including Fernando Mendoza
- Story by
- Las Vegas Raiders Draft Recap: Getting to know the picks, including Fernando Mendoza
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
All year long, General Manager John Spytek and the scouts put in the miles to prepare before being on the clock Thursday. After entering the draft with 10 picks, the Raiders made 10 selections by wheeling and dealing. Eight of those came within the first 175 picks as Spytek made five trades.
Let's break down all of the Raiders draft selection.
Advertisement
Las Vegas Raiders officially select Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Since the Raiders knew they had the top pick at the conclusion of Week 18, Spytek had his eye on one player. Winning the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship only added to the case for Fernando Mendoza.
"We had a great process and we promised ourselves, the ownership group, the fans that we would do this the right way," Spytek said. "We did not begin with the end in mind. Every step of the way, he kept checking boxes. He made it pretty easy for us along the way to realize that this is the right guy at the right time for the Raiders."
Advertisement
Related: Fernando Mendoza Is Exactly What the Raiders Have Been Missing
No. 38: Treydan Stukes , S, Arizona
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For the second straight year, Spytek found value in the second round by trading down. Originally holding the 36th pick, Las Vegas traded that selection and the 117th pick to Houston to acquire the 38th and 91st picks. The 38th became Stukes, a safety from Arizona who recorded four interceptions and six pass breakups last season. He had first-round potential before falling to the Raiders in the second round.
Also read: Ashton Jeanty Has the Tools, the Scheme and the Stage in Year 2 With the Raiders
Advertisement
No. 67: Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
With their third-round pick, the Raiders selected Crawford, an edge rusher from Auburn. He joins the defensive end room alongside Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye . Malcolm Koonce is on a one-year deal, and Tyree Wilson — traded Saturday — is expected to be a free agent after the season. That clears a path for Crawford to develop into a long-term contributor.
No. 91: Trey Zuhn III, C, Texas A&M
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
The second pick from the Houston trade, Zuhn continues the team's investment in the offensive line. After signing Tyler Linderbaum this offseason and drafting Jackson Powers-Johnson two years ago, Las Vegas keeps building up front. Zuhn ranked first among 632 qualified offensive linemen in PFF pass-blocking grade last season at 96.8, allowing 10 total pressures — including two sacks and one hit — with just one penalty.
Advertisement
Also read: 5 Las Vegas Raiders Whose April Minicamp Attendance Tells Us Everything
No. 101: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
To open the third and final day of the draft, Spytek made his second trade, acquiring the 101st overall pick from Buffalo for the 102nd pick and a seventh-round selection next year. Las Vegas moved up one spot to take McCoy, a cornerback from Tennessee with potential top-10 upside who fell due to a torn ACL suffered in January. His recovery will determine whether the Raiders get full value out of the move.
No. 122: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Despite sending the 117th pick to Houston, Spytek moved up again in the fourth round, acquiring the 122nd pick from Atlanta for the 134th and 208th picks. Washington, 6 feet and 225 pounds, ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine and totaled 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns on 167 carries for the Razorbacks last season. He slots in as the backup to Ashton Jeanty and brings the size and explosiveness to break a big run.
Advertisement
Related: Ashton Jeanty Has the Tools, the Scheme and the Stage in Year 2 With the Raiders
No. 150: Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona
Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
The Raiders made their third pick of the final day by acquiring the 150th pick from New Orleans in exchange for the 219th pick and Wilson. Las Vegas drafted Stukes' former Arizona teammate Johnson, who stands out for his versatility — he can play free safety, strong safety, nickel and slot.
No. 175: Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Just when you think the Raiders were done focused on the secondary, Las Vegas drafted Hezekiah Masses from UC Berkeley. With the Golden Bears last year, Masses logged five interceptions and nine pass breakups.
Advertisement
The Raiders drafted Masses out of California, their fourth defensive back of the draft. He logged five interceptions and nine pass breakups last season for the Golden Bears. His selection, along with Stukes and Johnson, gives Las Vegas the flexibility to rotate Isaiah Pola-Mao and Jeremy Chinn into nickel and strong safety roles.
No. 195: Malik Benson, WR, Oregon
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Raiders traded the 185th pick to Tampa Bay for the 195th and 229th picks, and used the first of those on Benson. He led Oregon in receiving last season with 716 yards and six touchdowns and projects as a deep threat for Mendoza. A good project for Klint Kubiak, but far from an answer for the thin wide receiver room.
Advertisement
No. 229: Brandon Cleveland, DT, NC State
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With their 10th and final pick, the Raiders took Cleveland, a defensive tackle from N.C. State. He started for two seasons on the Wolfpack's defensive line and racked up 10 tackles for loss over his last two years, giving Las Vegas interior pass-rush depth on all three downs.
Also read: Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Are Auditioning for Their Jobs With the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026
Related Headlines
