Raiders Three-Round NFL Mock Draft: Las Vegas Will Improve

The Raiders have pressing needs to address in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:36pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, red, and silver, representing the various elements of an NFL draft or football game.The Raiders' 2026 draft class will be crucial in determining the team's future, as they look to build a balanced roster around their new quarterback.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to improve their roster through the upcoming NFL Draft. With the No. 36 and No. 67 overall picks, the team has several options to address key positions like safety and cornerback. Raiders general manager John Spytek emphasized the importance of drafting the best player available rather than forcing needs. The team is expected to select quarterback Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, and pairing him with head coach Klint Kubiak is part of the plan. The Raiders are also targeting safety and cornerback as positions of need in the draft.

Why it matters

The Raiders' 2025 draft class did not make a significant impact, so the team must get this year's draft right to improve the roster and support their new quarterback. Addressing the secondary through the draft is crucial, as the Raiders did not address those needs in free agency.

The details

The Raiders hold the No. 36 and No. 67 overall picks in the upcoming draft. Safety Bud Clark from TCU is a potential target, as he is solid against the run and has the size and speed the Raiders are looking for. The team is also likely to target a cornerback, with Igbinosun being a player that could fit their defensive scheme under coordinator Rob Leonard.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.
  • The Raiders recently held their annual league meetings, where head coach Klint Kubiak discussed the team's needs at safety.

The players

John Spytek

The Raiders' general manager, who emphasized the importance of drafting the best player available rather than forcing needs.

Klint Kubiak

The Raiders' head coach, who discussed the team's need to improve the depth and talent at the safety position.

Bud Clark

A safety prospect from TCU who is solid against the run and has the size and speed the Raiders are looking for.

Igbinosun

A cornerback prospect whose physical playstyle matches what the Raiders' defensive coordinator Rob Leonard is looking for.

Mendoza

The quarterback expected to be selected by the Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

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What they’re saying

“Why wouldn't you draft a quarterback in the first round, no matter what? Well, that's where need and best player available come into the equation. I learned a long time ago, if you start forcing needs, you're going to end up picking guys too early and then regret it.”

— John Spytek, Raiders general manager

“It's a good draft for that position. I think we've got three guys that we're working with right now. We've got to continue to build that depth.”

— Klint Kubiak, Raiders head coach

What’s next

The Raiders will continue to evaluate prospects and prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, where they will look to address their needs at safety and cornerback.

The takeaway

The Raiders' 2026 draft class will be crucial in supporting their new quarterback and improving the overall roster. By focusing on drafting the best available players rather than forcing needs, the team hopes to avoid the issues that plagued their 2025 draft class.