Raiders Select Future Stars In First 2 Rounds of 2026 NFL Mock Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to make a cultural shift with several changes to the coaching staff and the roster. During the 2025 season, it became clear that the Raiders needed better quarterback play and improved offensive line play. Other needs include a wide receiver one, more pass rush on the interior and the edge, and playmakers in the secondary.

Free Agency Additions With several clear needs, Las Vegas got very aggressive in free agency. The most notable addition was signing center Tyler Linderbaum to shore up the interior of the offensive line. Linderbaum provides consistency as a pass blocker but also the strength and power to pave lanes for Ashton Jeanty and the rest of the Raiders' running backs.

Other offensive additions include guard Spencer Burford, wide receivers Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young, and fullback Connor Heyward. On defense, Las Vegas did a lot to shore up the front seven, especially with the additions of defensive end Kwity Paye and linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker. These new players in the front end of the Raiders’ defense have the opportunity to help Vegas have a much-improved defense to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stop the run.

Heading into the draft, the Raiders seem to be looking for their quarterback of the future, an upgrade at right tackle, a young receiver who could step up to become a receiver one, and players who can add value in the secondary to improve coverage and force turnovers. Round 1 Pick 1 (No. 1 Overall) As the 2026 NFL Draft gets closer, many across the media have tried to make this pick for Las Vegas a controversial one.