Las Vegas Raiders finally find the face of their franchise, fill massive defensive need during latest 2026 NFL mock draft

The Las Vegas Raiders are an NFL franchise that is in a very interesting spot. When head coach Pete Carroll took over the team, most believed that this version of the Raiders could be set for a very quick turnaround. So far during the 2025 NFL season, that doesn't seem to be the case. This looks like a team that may need a massive overhaul and rebuild.

If this team isn't in line for that quick rebuild, then the hiring of Coach Carroll could look like an incorrect decision in terms of timeline. With any hope to make this tenure work, the Raiders are going to have to fill some of the holes in their roster, and quickly. The 2026 NFL Draft offers a huge chance for this team to find answers to the most pressing needs on its roster. There will be a lot of value to find out throughout the seven rounds.

In a 2-round 2026 NFL mock draft released at A to Z Sports recently, Joe DeLeone and I did our best to help rebuild the Raiders. While quarterback is perhaps the most pressing need due to the underwhelming play from Geno Smith, we began on the defensive side of the football. With the No. 8 overall selection, I had them select Clemson star defensive tackle Peter Woods.

Here is what I wrote about Woods and his potential fit in Las Vegas.

8. Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson 

After the Christian Wilkins situation, defensive tackle has become a major need once again for the Raiders. While Clemson has struggled in 2025, Woods has continued to play quality football. He is a ball of chaos at around 6-2 and 315 pounds, possessing rare movement skills for his size. – Roberts

With how poorly Clemson has played this season, it is easy to undervalue the talent that Woods brings to the table. He is a rare interior defensive lineman who can play either three technique or nose on the next level. His penetration upside is immense, which allows him to be an all-around threat from his defensive tackle position. The talent is still very much there.