Mailbag: Is Kayden McDonald falling to pick 36 in 2026 NFL draft realistic?

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 30: Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) during the game against the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 30, 2024, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images We’re less than one week away from the biggest event of the offseason: the 2026 NFL draft . There shouldn’t be any drama with the No.

1 overall pick ( you never know with this team ), as Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to be the next player added to the Las Vegas Raiders’ roster. So, the draft really gets interesting for the Raiders in the second round with pick 36, the primary focus of this week’s mailbag. Q: Suddenly, I am seeing much press about the Raiders taking Kayden McDonald at #36.

While I am excited about the prospect of that, do you think that is realistic? I mean that in two ways: that he falls that far and that the Raiders would select him there over other needs. A: I think I’m going to disappoint some people because I kind of have a cop-out answer: I think it’s unlikely, but it is realistic that McDonald is available at No.

36. It’s unlikely because this year’s defensive tackle class as a whole leaves something to be desired, unless you’re looking for a nose tackle , and McDonald has enough versatility to fit into multiple schemes and lineup at several alignments. Also, I think he’s just as good, if not better, a prospect than his former teammate, Tyleik Williams, who went 28th overall to the Lions last year.