Raiders’ potential 2026 breakout star after strong OTAs showing

While Fernando Mendoza stole the headlines this offseason as the most important addition to the offense, adding both center Tyler Linderbaum and wide receiver Jalen Nailor will help round out two areas of need.

Linderbaum is one of the league’s best centers, coming over from Baltimore, where he made a name for himself by earning three Pro Bowl nods, while Nailor was overshadowed by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota, but was a great security blanket option for MIN quarterbacks.

However, while the focus has been put on the offense this offseason, the defense needs a ton of work, too. With Maxx Crosby’s trade to the Ravens being canceled, he returns to the Raiders to anchor their pass rush, while free-agent signees Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker will now lead their revamped linebacker room.

But their defensive secondary is still lacking, hence why general manager John Spytek added a few rookies to this group, including one who could be in for an impactful rookie campaign.

New-Look Defensive Secondary

The Raiders aimed to upgrade their defensive secondary heavily through the 2026 NFL Draft, adding two cornerbacks and a safety in the process. Having spent six of their 10 draft picks on the defensive side of the ball, that kind of investment shows that the new staff is unhappy with how that unit looks.

Treydan Stukes was the first defensive player drafted in April, as the Arizona safety was drafted 38th overall in the second round. Stukes was joined by Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy (fourth round) and fellow Arizona Wildcats safety Dalton Johnson (sixth round) to add depth to their depleted secondary.

While McCoy will garner enough headlines because of how far he fell, Stukes was a solid addition by Vegas, especially with his coverage skills.

Stukes is listed as a safety but will likely see time at safety and as a slot defender in nickel and dime packages, which speaks to his versatility and skill set. With how pass-heavy the NFL is, having a player like Stukes on the backend of a defense will help shore up one of the weaker areas of the LV defense.

Building for the Present & Future

Stukes has already made an impact during OTAs, but will need to continue on that trajectory, as he joins a secondary with plenty of bodies fighting for roles.

Eric Stokes and Taron Johnson are penciled in as the starters at CB, while Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao lead the pack for the two starters at safety.

With how the depth chart currently stands, it is easy to see how Stukes could factor in for the Raiders this year. Needing to add an impact player to their defensive back rotation, Stukes should see his time split between cornerback and safety, as his coverage skills will allow him to make an impact in both areas.

Speed and coverage abilities dominate what Stukes brings to the table for the Raiders, as his 4.3 speed will make him a likely defender for speedy slot receivers. This kind of speed has been missing from the Vegas defense for a while, so expect Stukes to be given every opportunity to factor into the starting 11 for the Raiders come Week 1.