Raiders Fortify Defense in Early 2026 NFL Draft Picks

Las Vegas adds a potential star defensive tackle after securing their QB of the future.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes representing a football game or NFL draft scene, conveying the complex and multi-faceted nature of the Raiders' draft strategy.The Raiders' strategic draft approach aims to build a balanced team capable of competing in the AFC West.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to select the highly touted quarterback prospect Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, with veteran Kirk Cousins signed to a one-year deal, the Raiders plan to have Mendoza initially sit and learn behind the experienced QB. In the second round, the Raiders are expected to bolster their defensive line by selecting a talented interior defensive lineman named McDonald.

Why it matters

The Raiders' draft strategy reflects a patient approach to developing their new franchise quarterback, while also addressing a key need on the defensive side of the ball. Securing Mendoza as the QB of the future is a critical move, but the team also recognizes the importance of surrounding him with a strong supporting cast, starting with an improved defensive front.

The details

According to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., the Raiders plan to select Mendoza, a highly touted quarterback prospect, with the first overall pick. However, the team has signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a one-year deal, indicating they will allow Mendoza to sit and learn behind the experienced QB before taking over as the starter. In the second round, the Raiders are expected to select McDonald, a 6-foot-2, 326-pound defensive tackle who has become an undervalued asset in the pre-draft process. McDonald will join a defensive line that already features standout edge rushers Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is one week away.
  • The first 18 spots in the draft order were finalized at the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season.

The players

Mendoza

A highly touted quarterback prospect who is expected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kirk Cousins

A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who the Raiders have signed to a one-year deal, indicating he will start the season as the team's QB1 while Mendoza learns the playbook and scheme.

McDonald

A 6-foot-2, 326-pound defensive tackle who has become an undervalued asset in the pre-draft process and is expected to be selected by the Raiders in the second round to bolster their defensive line.

Maxx Crosby

A standout edge rusher for the Raiders who will be part of the team's defensive line alongside the newly drafted McDonald.

Kwity Paye

Another standout edge rusher for the Raiders who will be part of the team's defensive line alongside the newly drafted McDonald.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Although Mendoza will be the No. 1 pick, head coach Klint Kubiak made it a point of emphasis that he wanted the rookie quarterback to initially sit behind a veteran and learn from the bench.”

— Klint Kubiak, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

The Raiders' front office will now focus on finalizing their draft strategy and preparing to make their selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is just one week away.

The takeaway

The Raiders' draft plan reflects a patient and strategic approach to developing their new franchise quarterback, Mendoza, while also addressing a key need on the defensive side of the ball by selecting the talented interior defensive lineman McDonald. This balanced approach should help the Raiders continue to build a well-rounded team capable of competing in the AFC West.