Kayden McDonald slides to Raiders in Field Yates’ latest mock draft

Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is a foregone conclusion in pre-draft projections, but what about Ohio State standout Kayden McDonald for the next time that the franchise goes up to select? According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Raiders take Mendoza at No.

1 overall, per usual, followed by McDonald at No. 36 in the second round. “Under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, the Raiders are expected to a play 3-4 defense,” Yates wrote.

“There is no better option to anchor that scheme than McDonald, who is the best run stuffer in this class and added 3. 0 sacks in 2025. He is rugged at the point of attack, using his powerful hands to control interior offensive linemen.

” McDonald was a unanimous first-team All-American in 2025. The Georgia native produced three sacks as well as nine tackles for loss last season for Ohio State. McDonald has the skills as well as the infectious style of play to add to the Raiders’ pass rush next season.