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How the Raiders’ 2026 Draft Class Stacks Up After 2026 Preseason
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- How the Raiders’ 2026 Draft Class Stacks Up After 2026 Preseason
After going 3-14 last season, the Raiders clearly needed upgrades to the roster. Fortunately, the NFL rewards bad teams with high draft picks to help distribute talent to bad teams.
The Raiders selected 10 players in the 2026 draft. With the first-overall pick and four selections across the third and fourth rounds, Las Vegas had plenty of draft capital to make an impact on their roster.
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But as we inch closer to the start of the 2026 season, only one rookie has carved out a starting role.
Starters
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Treydan Stukes has assumed the starting free safety role. He has edged ahead Isaiah Pola-Mao on the secondary.
Pola-Mao was dreadful as the Raiders starting safety last season. He was graded as the second-worst safety in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. Upgrading the position was a must for the Raiders, and Stukes should do that.
Stukes was the Raiders second-round pick and has shown important versatility in training camp. Las Vegas has given him snaps as the slot corner behind starter Taron Johnson, as well as at safety.
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Backups
Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Most of the Raiders draft class is second on the depth chart. That includes the top pick of the draft, Fernando Mendoza.
The Raiders always intended to have Mendoza start his career watching from the sideline. Before picking Mendoza, the Raiders signed Kirk Cousins to be the bridge quarterback. Once Mendoza is ready, he will take over the starting job. But for now, this is Cousins' offense.
After Mendoza there is a glut of rookies filling in the second string. Offensive lineman Trey Zuhn is going to be a versatile player, as the Raiders have given him snaps at center, guard and tackle in training camp. Whether it is due to injuries or poor performance, Zuhn will likely get a chance to play this season.
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The Raiders used a fourth-round pick on Jermod McCoy and a fifth-round pick on Hezekiah Masses. Both players are backups at outside cornerback. McCoy and Masses could both improve the ceiling of the Raiders, but for now will be watching more than playing.
Due to Ashton Jeanty's injury, Mike Washington could end up starting in Week 1. But for now, he is still the backup running back. It is unlikely Washington will ever surpass a healthy Jeanty, but Washington impressed in the preseason, posting 168 rushing yards across three games.
Dalton Johnson was the fourth defensive back selected by the Raiders and currently sits as the second strong safety on the depth chart. While he is directly behind Jeremy Chinn, he might not be first in line to play if Chinn went down. The Raiders could use Stukes' versatility to fill in at strong safety.
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Sixth rounder Malik Benson popped early in training camp, but fizzled out in preseason games. He is currently the fourth wide receiver, but isn't likely to see much of the field unless he moves past Jack Bech or Jalen Nailor.
Not on the active roster
The Raiders had two more draft picks in 2026. Keyron Crawford was a third-round pick, but the defensive end will miss the entirety of the season after suffering an injury in the Raiders' final preseason game.
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Defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland was the Raiders' final pick. He was waived on Sunday, but Las Vegas brought him back as part of the practice squad.
Ultimately the draft class' success won't be determined by the depth chart at the start of the season. But the Raiders will need plenty of the guys currently listed as backups to make a significant impact in their careers to turn around the franchise.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
