The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft for the first time since 2007, and it's expected they'll select quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Even though teams have expressed interest in trading up, the Raiders don't seem interested in moving off the pick. The real question is how they'll address their remaining nine selections, including six picks in the top 150.

General manager John Spytek is "open to all options" when it comes to trading back and acquiring additional picks, noting last year's trade-down strategy yielded offers too good to pass up. The Raiders finished 25th in points allowed (25.4 per game), 30th in opponents' third-down conversion rate (46.3%), and last in time of possession (32:13). They've already added starters Taron Johnson, Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, Kwity Paye and re-signed Malcolm Koonce, but defensive tackle remains a glaring need.

The Raiders hosted visits for defensive tackle prospects Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) and Christen Miller (Georgia) during the pre-draft process. McDonald ranked No. 26 by ESPN's Scouts Inc., posted a 7.8% run stop win rate, the best among FBS defensive linemen. Spytek acknowledged the safety position needs attention, stating "I think we have three safeties in the roster right now, so it's just a math equation right there. We need a few more." TCU's Bud Clark, who had 12 interceptions since 2022, could compete for a starting role.

Offensively, pairing Mendoza with his Indiana teammate Elijah Sarratt (65 catches, 830 yards, 15 touchdowns) makes sense, though the Raiders also need a big-body X receiver and red zone threat. Spytek emphasized adding competition at every position, saying "We want everybody to earn their spot in the starting lineup."