Post-2026 Raiders draft interview with RaiderNationRadio’s Q Myers

The 2026 NFL Draft was a memorable day for Las Vegas Raiders fans. In addition to securing a franchise quarterback, the team added a multitude of talent around him. Q Myers, host of the Locked On Raiders Podcast, sat down to discuss his reactions to the newest rookie class in Sin City.

Rather than dwelling on the predictable selection of Fernando Mendoza, Myers shifted his focus to what Las Vegas accomplished after the No. 1 overall pick.

Why did the Raiders not draft a defensive tackle early?

After spending the weekend in Pittsburgh, PA, Myers was able to speak with many of the prospects hoping to hear their names called. One of these players was Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. The former Buckeye was consistently mocked to the Raiders in the second round. However, this pick came out to be Treydan Stukes. Stukes is both a nickel cornerback and a roaming free safety.

At this instant, the best defensive tackle on the roster is Adam Butler. Many thought drafting a defensive tackle was surely the decision, including Myers himself. He thinks that a defensive lineman was not selected because the team viewed the defensive back position as a larger need.

“Clearly [Raiders] intention was to make the secondary a lot better than it has been,” Myers said. “Guys that can see the ball and go get the ball.”

One of the glaring weaknesses last season was the inability to create turnovers. That is what Stukes brings to the table. He caught four interceptions in his final year at the University of Arizona.

What was Q Myers’ favorite 2026 draft pick?

“Something Klint Kubiak talked about is needing a wingman for Ashton Jeanty,” Myers said. “I like Mike Washington Jr., the running back out of Arkansas.”

He compared this new duo to the former running back core for the Detroit Lions with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. This is something that needed to be addressed this offseason. Not only do they add two different styles of play, but giving Jeanty extra rest can benefit the young star.

Another player Myers is fond of is Hezekiah Masses. The cornerback from the University of California-Berkeley has great ball skills.

“I thought he was a third-round guy,” Myers said. “I actually had him mocked to be a Raider in the third round.”

What makes this a great pick is that Masses was drafted in the fifth round. Getting a talented cornerback two rounds past his projection is a steal for the Silver and Black.

What position battles should we expect during OTAs?

Rookie minicamp has started but the real competition begins on May 18. The first day of practice with the rookies and veterans.

Myers thinks the third-round pick, Trey Zuhn III, will spice up the competition along the offensive line. Zuhn is a versatile and technical offensive lineman. His 96.8 Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade is the best score in history.

“I think he is going to end up starting at that left guard spot,” Myers said. “Looking at that offensive line, it’s probably the most improved.”

The Raiders added Tyler Linderbaum to begin free agency and also have second-year players returning. Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant both can compete for starting positions this upcoming season. Although they have steep competition with the versatile offensive lineman from Texas A&M.

“He is very athletic and he can play multiple positions,” Myers said. “That is valuable on game day.”

The future is looking bright in Las Vegas and these rookies could be the catapult to success for this franchise.

You can find more of Q Myers on his Instagram or his daily podcast on YouTube.