Raiders Secondary Becomes Intriguing Unit Following NFL Draft

This year, after selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft, Spytek added playmakers to the defensive side of the ball, specifically in the secondary. These talents make the Raiders' defensive backfield an intriguing unit going into training camp this summer.

Raiders Secondary Is a Young, Vigorous Unit With Potential for Success

Last April, in the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas's lone defensive back selection was third-round cornerback Darien Porter. This year, four defensive backs were picked: second-round defensive back Treydan Stukes, fourth-round cornerback Jermod McCoy, fifth-round safety Dalton Johnson, and fifth-round cornerback Hezekiah Masses.

I'm a big fan of how Spytek attacked the secondary in the draft, adding versatility in roles and coverage that allows defensive coordinator Rob Leonard to be interchangeable in the secondary. These are also rookies who, if they stay healthy, could challenge the veterans such as Jeremy Chinn, Taron Johnson, and Eric Stokes. All of a sudden, Las Vegas has a young secondary with quality depth and a high ceiling for ample improvement in 2026.

Secondary Additions Are All Part of a Bigger Long-Term Plot

Las Vegas should be excited about its new additions to the secondary: Stukes and McCoy could be excellent players if they stay healthy, while Johnson and Masses provide depth, future starting potential, and value on special teams. The Raiders should be stoked (no pun intended) with the ceiling of this secondary heading into 2026. It could be a fun group to watch this year.

The Raiders' approach to roster construction has allowed them to quickly build it into a better unit. As it turns out, the secondary additions through the draft feel like a long-term plot by Spytek and Las Vegas to build the foundation of the franchise and work from the ground up. Not only is this approach commendable, but it should also be well-liked, and I will once refer to how the Carolina Panthers have used a similar approach in recent years as a great example.

The Panthers had a top overall pick at quarterback (Bryce Young) with a first-year head coach (Frank Reich), all learning the ropes, while the General Manager (Dan Morgan) focused on big spending at key needs and used the draft to raise the floor and build the foundation of the team.

The Raiders are taking this approach in several ways, though the jury is still out on whether it can be successful for this specific organization with such a storied history. Spytek and Kubiak seem to have a direct approach to the process, one that has conviction. Now, a handful of months remain before they can prove whether their moves will work.