Raiders’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

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Raiders’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

Enzo Flojo, ClutchPoints

Mon, Apr 27, 2026 ·

5 min read

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The Raiders' 2026 NFL Draft picks reveal something that has eluded the Silver and Black for years: direction. Armed with the No. 1 overall pick and a roster riddled with structural flaws, Las Vegas didn't hesitate. They identified their future, committed to it, and built around it with purpose. From securing a franchise quarterback to overhauling the secondary and reinforcing the trenches, every move carried the weight of a front office determined to reset the narrative.

Riddled with needs and urgency

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders' needs were as glaring as the midday sun in the Mojave. Despite a flurry of free agency activity that helped stabilize the veteran core, the roster still lacked the high-ceiling talent required to succeed in a brutally competitive division. The quarterback position remained the most pressing concern, of course.

Beyond that, the secondary was inconsistent and vulnerable. The pass rush lacked depth and complementary firepower. Meanwhile, the offensive line needed an infusion of youth and physicality. The mission was to find cornerstone players, not just contributors.

Defining weekend

The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh marked a seismic moment for Las Vegas, starting with the selection of Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall. That surprised absolutely zero people. Mendoza arrives as the face of the franchise and the centerpiece of a long-overdue rebuild.

The Raiders didn't stop there. They leaned heavily into rebuilding the defense, particularly the secondary. The presence of veteran Kirk Cousins in the quarterback room provides a steady mentor figure. That creates an ideal developmental environment for Mendoza. By the end of the weekend, it was clear that this was not a scattered effort but a coordinated reset.

Round 1, pick 1, QB Fernando Mendoza , Indiana

Grade: A

You don't overthink this pick. Fernando Mendoza is the type of prospect franchises wait years to find. Elite arm talent, poise under pressure , and a proven ability to elevate those around him. He just checks every box.

This selection addresses the most important position in sports with a player capable of transforming the entire organization. Mendoza isn't just any quarterback. He will be THE tone-setter for a new era.

Round 2, pick 38, S Treydan Stukes, Georgia

Grade: A

Treydan Stukes brings range, intelligence, and playmaking ability. He reads the game with precision and has the athleticism to back it up. This pick stabilizes the back end immediately. Stukes is a problem-solver for a defense that desperately needed one.

Round 3, pick 67, EDGE Keyron Crawford, Arkansas

Grade: A

Keyron Crawford injects much-needed explosiveness into the pass rush. His ability to bend the edge and close on quarterbacks makes him a perfect complement to Maxx Crosby. The fit and impact is great here. Crawford doesn't need to carry the load. He just needs to capitalize on the attention Crosby commands.

Round 3, pick 91, OL Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M

Grade: A+

This might be the best value pick of the entire class. Trey Zuhn III brings a physical, no-nonsense style to the offensive line. He also has refined technique and a relentless motor. Protecting Mendoza is non-negotiable, of course. Zuhn provides immediate reinforcement with long-term upside.

Round 4, pick 101, CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Grade: A+

Jermod McCoy at 101 feels like theft. He should not have fallen this far. Despite missing time due to injury, his talent is undeniable. Length, speed, and ball skills — he has everything you want in a modern corner. This pick is pure value. If McCoy returns to form, the Raiders have landed a top-tier talent well below his expected range.

Round 4, pick 122, RB Mike Washington Jr, Penn State

Grade: A

Mike Washington Jr. adds versatility and physicality to the backfield. He can break tackles, contribute in the passing game, and provide balance to the offense. He has the ability to support Mendoza immediately while adding another layer to the offensive attack.

Round 5, pick 150, DB Dalton Johnson, Fresno State

Grade: C+

Dalton Johnson is a depth piece with some upside, but this pick lacks the immediate impact of earlier selections. He provides rotational value and special teams contributions. Johnson is a solid but unspectacular addition.

Round 5, pick 175, DB Hezekiah Masses, Houston

Grade: B+

Hezekiah Masses brings grit, ball skills, and special teams value. He will not start right away. However, he embodies the kind of competitive edge the Raiders are trying to build. This choice reflects strong value and cultural fit.

Round 6, pick 195, WR Malik Benson, Alabama

Grade: B

Malik Benson adds speed to the receiver room. He can give the offense another vertical option. While not a complete receiver yet, his explosiveness is undeniable. He will be used as a situational weapon with room to grow.

Round 7, pick 229, DL Brandon Cleveland, Florida State

Grade: A-

Brandon Cleveland is a classic late-round upside swing. With his size and raw power, he has the tools to develop into a rotational force along the defensive line. Cleveland exhibits excellent value at this stage of the draft.

Moving with purpose

When evaluating the Raiders' picks, the overarching theme is clarity. Las Vegas prioritized redefining their identity. They found their quarterback, reinforced their defense, and built a supporting cast designed to grow together.

This is what a true reset looks like. It is neither chaotic nor reactionary, but deliberate. If Fernando Mendoza becomes what the Raiders believe he can be, this draft will be remembered as the moment everything changed.

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