What the Raiders did on Day Two, what is still left to do on Day Three
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes (DB49) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Fernando Mendoza was the obvious choice for the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick, but this was when the draft got interesting for them. Acquiring a franchise quarterback was the first item on the checklist, but the needs went far beyond who is under center.
While the Raiders have done a good job finding talent in recent years and picked up several top-dollar free agents, general manager John Spytek still has to establish a talent pipeline that keeps the team sustainable for years to come. Mendoza became the latest member of a core that makes the Raiders competitive, but these Day Two selections are hoping to make equally positive contributions early on. Round 2, Pick 38 (from Houston) : Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona Wait, so the Raiders traded down with the Texans for Kayden McDonald?
Okay, my trade from Thursday’s mock draft looks more eerily prophetic than I thought… Regardless, turning one of his three fourth-round picks into another third was a good bit of business for Spytek, and he got an impressive prospect to boot by moving two picks down. A versatile defensive back for Arizona’s stingy pass defense, Stukes immediately becomes one of the better playmakers in the Raiders secondary. Over his four years with the Wildcats, Stukes notched an impressive seven interceptions and 22 pass deflections, including four interceptions this past season.
Stukes followed up with an impressive Combine performance, with his 4. 33-second 40-yard dash time being third among all safeties with a 1. 5-second 10-yard split.
There will likely be a starting role for Stukes from Week One, as he serves as the center field component that the safeties room lacked. Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao will likely be able to play closer in the box, while Stukes patrols the secondary to help handle any deep threats. Round 3, Pick 67 : Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn If Stukes was a bet on production, Crawford is Spytek believing in his potential to be a force.