Raiders Mock Draft: Pair of Hoosiers, influence security in 7-round projection

[ad_1] The 2026 NFL Draft is simply over two weeks away and the three-day occasion beginning on April 23 is the subsequent milestone for the new-look Las Vegas Raiders.

It’ll be basic supervisor John Spytek’s second jaunt within the league’s annual occasion to construct a roster to move coach Klint Kubiak’s liking and the Silver & Black personal 10 picks (at the moment). Spherical 1 kicks every little thing off on the twenty third whereas the second and third rounds take the highlight on April 24. Then the tour is rounded out with rounds 4 via seven on April 25.

Commercial

The picks under weren’t made on a whim as utilizing simulators create some rigidity — each reduction and disappointment — with picks flying off the board and altering the course pick-by-pick and round-by-round. So let’s get into it, my seven-round mock draft:

Spherical 1 No. 1 general: Fernando Mendoza Quarterback, Indiana Now that veteran Kirk Cousins is within the Raiders’ fold and slated to be the beginning quarterback, snagging this Hoosiers sign caller with the highest general choose provides Mendoza a golden alternative to be taught below a mentor with related skillset.

As many quarterback prospects do, Mendoza placed on a present at Indiana’s Professional Day as he exhibited sound velocity and arm energy on his throws. Pair all that with a fast launch and the anticipated reference to Kubiak makes this an intriguing combo for years to return.

Commercial

The priority: If it’s an open competitors this offseason and Mendoza exhibits higher than Cousins, would Kubiak and Co. be snug trotting out the No. 1 choose as QB1?

Spherical 2 No. 36 general: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Security, Toledo With defensive deal with Kayden McDonald off the board (went late first spherical) in my simulation, I used to be very happy so as to add an enforcer of a security on this Rocket. With premiere measurement at 6-foot-3 1/2 and 201 kilos, McNeil-Warren is a basic downhill thumper who can strengthen the Raiders run protection by packing a wallop.

Capable of play near the road of scrimmage and be a robber, this Toledo product is not any slouch in protection as his read-and-react expertise lead to strong anticipation and he has the quickness to shut and disrupt passes or dislodge the ball along with his punishing hits. He’ll remind lots of Charles Woodson as he seeks to punch the ball out with 9 profession compelled fumbles.

Commercial

The priority: Would McNeil-Warren be a redundant presence with veteran Jeremy Chinn providing related skillset? In any case, this prospect could make a run for a beginning security spot and sure push Isaiah Pola-Mao to a reserve position.

Spherical 3 No. 67 general: Elijah Sarratt Broad Receiver, Indiana A go catcher that Mendoza is all too aware of and can even assist create a security internet for veteran and presumed QB1 Cousins, Surratt is a contested-catch specialist with magnetic palms. I used to be eyeing a linebacker or cornerback with this choose however seeing Sarratt on the board, it was a fast choice.

Capable of run exact routes alongside utilizing his 6-foot-2 1/2 and 210-pound body, he bullies defensive backs and excessive factors the ball to supply quarterbacks an ample and dependable goal. Whereas he doesn’t have the elite vertical jets to torch defenders, Sarratt profiles as a series mover and crimson zone killer with 44 profession touchdowns.

Commercial

The priority: Is Surratt redundant to 2025 second-round choose Jack Bech? Within the sense of a giant bodily receiver who has hassle separating from defensive backs — solely to be exacerbated on the professional stage.

Spherical 4 No. 102 general: Tacario Davis Cornerback, Washington If Pete Carroll had been nonetheless the Raiders coach, this Husky cornerback would’ve gone earlier as a result of his 6-foot-4, 194-pound body and 33 3/8-inch arms. With elite measurement and a 4.41-second 40-yard sprint time on the NFL Scouting Mix, Davis is one other throwback, old-school Silver & Black nook who can play aggressive press man.

A nuisance in protection to to his peak, size, and velocity, Davis totaled 25 go breakups and three interceptions at Washington and his wingspan provides him a large internet to deal with folks within the open discipline. His measurement additionally provides Davis the power to tackle and shed blockers and he’s keen to get his nostril soiled in run protection.

Commercial

The priority: Smaller and faster huge receivers could be a downside for this lanky defensive again and Davis additionally struggled hauling in interceptions simply dropping passes chilly.

No. 117 general: Zxavian Harris Defensive Deal with, Ole Miss After watching the premiere nostril deal with prospects go off the board within the first two rounds, nabbing this mammoth Insurgent on Day 3 is a boon as Harris measured in at 6-foot-8 and 330 kilos on the mix. Capable of be a real consideration getter as a result of his measurement and bulk alone, Harris can anchor the center of the Raiders 3-4 take a look at nostril deal with and each maintain the purpose of assault and pushing the pocket.

Commercial

Whereas he lacks the explosiveness of different prospects and there are issues with stamina and consistency, Harris supplies a jolt and prototypical nostril deal with measurement. Together with the ability to keep up and shed blockers. Oh, and Harris is aware of present Raider and former Ole Miss product JJ Pegues.

No. 134 general: Sam Roush Tight Finish, Stanford An elite in-line blocking tight finish, Roush was an extension of the Cardinal offensive line and he’ll do the identical in Las Vegas. A plug-and-play blocker who has the scale (6-foot-6 and 267 kilos) and power to latch on to defenders and the willpower to get to the second stage and assault linebackers, Roush brings blocking skillset that neither Brock Bowers or Michael Mayer convey to the desk at the moment.

Commercial

His receiving talent set was untapped for a lot of his collegiate profession, nevertheless, his unrefined breaks make him seem like a robotic. And this enables defenders to keep up man protection.

Spherical 5 No. 175 general: Adam Randall Operating Again, Clemson Las Vegas has a necessity for a complementary again to workhorse Ashton Jeanty and this Tiger can match that invoice as each an influence and receiving again as a former huge receiver. With elite measurement at 6-foot-3 and 232 kilos with 4.50-second 40-yard sprint time, Randall is a straight-line velocity demon who makes use of his muscular body to interrupt tackles.

He additionally has pure palms and the route working to place defenders in a blender. However at this stage, he’s too upright as a runner and his go safety wants supreme refinement. However the fifth spherical is ideal spot to snag a prospect like Randall.

Commercial

Spherical 6 No. 185 general: Bryce Boettcher Linebacker, Oregon The Raiders did effectively to bolster each the linebacker place and particular groups through free company, however each teams can use extra expertise and that’s the place this Duck matches the invoice. A fearless 6-foot-1 and 233-pound linebacker, Boettcher has a relentless motor and fast processing skillset to be a particular groups maven whereas incomes snaps on protection.

His lack of top-end velocity makes him a legal responsibility within the professional recreation however it’s his want and instincts that make up for lots of shortcomings as he’s a bodily and dependable tackler.

No. 208 general: Nolan Rucci Offensive Deal with, Penn State At 6-foot-8 and 314 kilos, this Nittany Lion will shortly remind folks of present Raiders left deal with Kolton Miller as a result of peak and measurement. That body permits Rucci to engulf defenders however it’s his mild ft and talent to maneuver laterally and vertically which make him a match for Las Vegas blocking scheme.

Commercial

He’s capable of transfer huge and has the willpower to assault the second stage of opposing defenses by climbing as much as and interesting linebackers. That’s a staple of the huge zone scheme Kubiak and his offensive line boss Rick Dennison are putting in.

Spherical 7 No. 219 general: Caden Curry Edge, Ohio State Las Vegas has the limitless stamina edge rusher in Maxx Crosby, so why not convey one other try-hard, relentless motor prospect to the sting on this Buckeyes’ defender? At 6-foot-3 and 257 kilos, Curry profiles as a stand-up edge within the Raiders’ 3-4 look and has the willpower to smash the opposing offense’s day.

Commercial

Whereas he lacks the will measurable and explosiveness of the sting, he has the ability to set the sting, smash the run whereas having sufficient juice to get after the quarterback.