Mailbag: What position will Las Vegas Raiders target with 36th pick of 2026 NFL draft?

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 06: Ohio State Buckeyes DL Kayden McDonald (98) prior to the Big Ten Championship football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on December 6, 2025 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images We are less than three weeks away from the Las Vegas Raiders being on the clock to kick off the 2026 NFL Draft, likely marking the beginning of the Fernando Mendoza era in Las Vegas. But the Raiders’ roster has plenty of other holes to fill, and John Spytek has nine other draft picks (barring any trades) to plug them up.

So, we’re focusing on the second round and beyond in this week’s mailbag. Let’s get to it! Nunchucks Hey Matt…At pick 36…Do we go NT, x WR or S???

…All three seem to be glaring holes. A: You’re right that those are significant needs heading into the draft, but I think the Raiders are in a spot where they can let the draft board fall to them and go with a best player available approach at pick 36. Could that end up being someone who plays one of those three positions?

Certainly, especially if there’s an expected first-rounder that slides on day one. However, don’t be surprised if a talented edge-rusher, cornerback, etc. , slips, and Spytek takes someone higher on his board rather than filling an obvious or more significant need.