2026 NFL Draft will have a handful of linebackers who can help change Pete Carroll's defense in the future

It's time to start thinking about how the Las Vegas Raiders can fix the disaster that is 2025. Unfortunately, there is no fixing it now; instead, it will have to be in April, in the 2026 NFL draft. There are so many positions that the Raiders have needs at – pretty much all of them. On the defensive side of the ball, it's the linebacker room that is the most intriguing.

Last season, they needed to address it a bit better. The Raiders went out and grabbed some older veteran guys like Devin White, Elandon Roberts, and Germaine Pratt, who is no longer with the team. For the most part, they have all played okay. However, they still don't have someone who can cover the position.

So, why not look at some of the guys in the 2026 NFL Draft that perfectly fit what the Raiders are looking for? Now, they likely won't spend a first-round pick on an LB, so I've compiled a list of guys that fit, but also will likely be on Day 2, but mainly Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Raiders’ 2025 NFL Draft class

• Round 1, Pick 6: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
• Round 2, Pick 58: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
• Round 3, Pick 68: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
• Round 3, Pick 98: Caleb Rogers, G, Texas Tech
• Round 3, Pick 99: Charles Grant, DE, William & Mary
• Round 4, Pick 108: Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee
• Round 4, Pick 135: Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina
• Round 6, Pick 180: JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
• Round 6, Pick 213: Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State
• Round 6, Pick 215: Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
• Round 7, Pick 222: Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota

Linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft the Raiders should be looking at

Whit Weeks, LSU Tigers

Weeks has been banged up so far this year, but even still, he's been one of the best linebackers in college football. However, there is a chance he slides to a team like the Raiders, who, knowing Carroll, would likely take Weeks if he's available far past what the team believes his value is. And, sure, he's a country boy and probably doesn't fit the West Coast vibes at all; However, he plays football like some former Raiders did. He meets the criteria there.

"Everyone always talks about the Legion of Boom during Seattle’s dominance under Pete Carroll, but you know who was the straw that stirred the drink? Bobby Wagner. Now, to project Whit Weeks to be the next Wagner is rich for my blood. However, the same qualities that made Wagner so dominant in Seattle are some of the same traits that Weeks possesses. He’s so instinctual. He has multiple games where he has recorded 17 or more tackles. That doesn’t happen without instincts, the ability to avoid blocks and field general qualities. He could be a staple under Carroll for years to come." - Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports NFL Draft

Lander Barton, Utah

"For whatever reason, Utah linebacker Lander Barton has become a very underrated 2026 NFL Draft prospect. At right around 6-4 and 240 pounds, he is a really impressive athlete who possesses a good blend of explosiveness and length. Barton is one of the few linebackers in the 2026 class who could potentially play three different linebacker spots, as well as on the ball at times. For a bigger linebacker, Barton is also a very underrated pass coverage player. While he doesn’t always locate well enough in the zone, he has the hip fluidity to become an asset in that area, as well as playing some man reps at times against tight ends." Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports NFL Draft

Taurean York, Texas A&M Aggies

"Taurean York is a bit of an anomaly. Listed under six feet, he’s got a smaller frame, but you wouldn’t know that from his aggressive nature and willingness to tackle in space. He finds ways to win in leverage battles, even though he’s outmatched physically. The biggest pro to his game and a trait that Pete Carroll will love is his IQ at the position. He understands when to trigger in order to make plays and proves consistently that he can lead an elite unit with the Aggies.

"York is also a better coverage backer than some of the other options expected to go around him in next year’s draft class. While he may not have the size to disrupt players early in routes, he’s got a keen ability to make plays on the ball from his position. I’m interested to see where he lands in the NFL, but the Raiders will definitely have him on their radar." - Adam Holt, A to Z Sports NFL Draft