Raiders 2026 draft grades
By: Jake Rajala
The Las Vegas Raiders had the spotlight on them for the 2026 NFL Draft. It makes sense given they had the first overall pick. With that said, I’m going to lay out draft grades for them.
Fernando Mendoza: A-
It’s hard to not get hyped up shortly after the draft, especially if your team had an early pick. Well, I believe Raiders nation deserves to be hyped up here. He is “off Linkedin” and in a Raiders uniform. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared him to Joe Burrow, which is quite the praise.
Treydan Stukes: A
The safety Treydan Stukes can be an instant, quality starter for the Raiders. It’s vital they addressed this spot, as they play in a division (AFC West) that puts up fireworks all the time. He can run a 4.33, which is quite impressive. He reminds me of Kyle Hamilton, as they can both cover a lot of ground quickly.
Keyron Crawford: A-
I really liked this pick. Keyron Crawford will help Raiders fans forget about Arden Key. Maxx Crosby can show Keyron how to be productive right away. He isn’t the most athletic edge player, but he has a very high motor and powerful hands. He reminds me a lot of Cameron Jordan.
Trey Zuhn: A-
Trey Zuhn will bring back memories of Richie Incognito. He is a bully in the run game. All he did was put up 33 bench reps at the combine. He was first team All-SEC. If they want their running game with Ashton Jeanty to get on track, it’s vital they beef up on their OL.
Jermod McCoy: A+
I believe Jermod McCoy was the best value pick they had in the draft. He had a total NFL score of 81, which was third among CBs. I don’t love this bench press reps (which was 14), however. I’m impressed that they were able to land a couple of potential starting players in the secondary outside the first round.
Mike Washington Jr: A-
It does make sense that they added RB Mike Washington Jr. Jeanty hasn’t proved that he can be a hefty bell-cow RB. Mike can be their second string RB, no doubt. He had an athletic score of 95, which was second among RBs! He is also a load (6’1, 225). He reminds me of Le’Veon Bell with his versatility and patience.
Dalton Johnson: B
The Raiders drafted safety Dalton Johnson here. He had an NFL score of 70, which was 10th overall. He adds more depth and special teams ability.
Hezekiah Masses: C+
I would have liked to see them bring in a tight end before round five. Instead, they bring in ANOTHER defensive back here.
Malik Benson: B
The Raiders add more depth at WR and a potential special teams stud here.
Brandon Cleveland: C+
The Raiders make their last pick with a defensive tackle in round 7. He can provide competition at the DT spot.
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