The Raiders' Needs Have Shifted Heading into the Draft

How to Move Forward

Las Vegas' 2026 draft class must produce multiple contributors aside from presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders' new coaching staff will do what they can to help bring along the 2025 class quicker, but the 2026 class must hit the ground running. Finding the right players helps.

The Raiders had a solid start to free agency, but their roster still needs to add a significant amount of talent in the upcoming draft. The Raiders' moves in free agency has helped narrow down what it is the Raiders need most from the draft.

Las Vegas addressed its offensive line, defensive line, and linebackers by spending heavily on proven free agents at those positions. The intensity and precision with which the Raiders' front office addressed those positions and did not address others make their draft plans more evident.

Raiders general manager John Spytek recently gave insight into how he approaches roster building via the draft and free agency.

“I learned a long time ago, if you start forcing needs, you're going to end up picking guys too early and then regret it. So, when it lines up, and you've got a need, and it's the best guy, it's awesome. It really is,” Spytek said. 

“But we're never just going to say, 'We've got this need, and so we're just going to force a player.' That's the wrong way to do it. It's not team building."

Not drafting for need is undoubtedly a safe way to approach the draft. Doing so is how the Raiders landed Brock Bowers one season after drating Michael Mayer in the second round. In that instance, even under a different general manager, taking the best player available worked out well.

The Raiders should take a similar approach in the upcoming draft. However, they should also keep in mind that they are not bound by either train of thought. After selecting Mendoza with the top pick in the draft, the Raiders take a mix of both ideals when deciding who to draft.

The Raiders added a center and a guard in free agency, but did not add an offensive tackle. Although Spencer Burford can play offensive tackle, he was signed to play guard. This quiet move likely rounds out the Raiders' group of needs.

During the draft, expect the Raiders to add to their group of cornerbacks, offensive tackles, linebackers, and wide receivers. If the Raiders can find another immediate contributor or two, in addition to Mendoza, they have had just about the best offseason as reasonably possible.