Raiders Shore Up Secondary in 2027 Mock Draft

With the Raiders picking fifth in this mock draft, they have a chance to take a premier defensive player. Moore is the first cornerback taken in Easterling’s projection.

Easterling wrote about Moore: “Outside of (Jeremiah) Smith, Moore is the best prospect in this class heading into this season, with all of the physical and mental traits to develop into a shutdown corner at the next level.”

Moore has played 26 games in his two years at Notre Dame, snagging seven interceptions and breaking up 18 passes. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest graded cornerback last season.

If Moore can keep up that level of play for one of college football’s better teams, he will certainly be taken in the first round. As the Raiders rebuild, adding high-end talent will make the turnaround even faster.

The Raiders’ 2026 Draft Class

However, if the Raiders select a cornerback in the first round of next year’s draft, then the 2026 draft class must be a bust.

Las Vegas used four picks, including their second rounder, on defensive backs. Rookies Hezekiah Masses and Jermod McCoy have potential to outplay their draft position, but have had inconsistent preseason performances.

The Raiders handed Eric Stokes a three-year contract this past offseason to be their top cornerback, while also trading for Taron Johnson to come in and play slot corner. Las Vegas invested heavily in the secondary ahead of the 2026 season.

Using a high pick on a cornerback for what has been a bad defense is a solid plan. But using multiple picks, salary cap space and trade assets for corners in one offseason, then turning around and taking a corner at fifth overall would be a brutal use of assets by a front office.

The Raiders need the combination of Stokes, Johnson and the 2026 rookies to show some competency this season so that next year’s first-round pick can help make a different position group — like offensive line or wide receiver — better.