Fernando Mendoza is the obvious No. 1 pick for the Las Vegas Raiders, but this is when the draft gets interesting for them.
Acquiring a franchise quarterback is the first item on the list, but the needs extend far beyond center. While the Raiders have done a good job finding talent in recent years and have signed several top free agents, general manager John Spectek still needs to build a talent pipeline to keep the team sustainable in the coming years.
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Mendoza becomes the latest addition to the Raiders’ core, but the second-day selection hopes to make an equally positive contribution early on.
Round 2, pick 38 (from Houston): Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
Wait, so the Raiders traded Caiden McDonald with the Texans? Well, my trade in Thursday’s mock draft looks more prophetic than I thought…
Regardless, turning one of his three fourth-round picks into another third-round pick would be good business for Spytek, and he’s getting an impressive prospect by lowering two picks.
A versatile defensive back for Arizona’s stingy pass defense, Stokes immediately became one of the best playmakers in the Raiders’ secondary. In four years with the Wildcats, Stokes had an impressive seven interceptions and 22 pass deflections, including four interceptions last season.
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Stokes then performed well at the combine, posting a 40-yard dash time of 4.33 seconds, which ranked third among all safeties, and a 10-yard dash time of 1.5 seconds.
Stokes will likely assume a starting role starting in Week 1, as he is the piece of the middle field that the safety room is lacking. Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao will likely play closer in the paint, while Stokes patrols the secondary to help deal with any deep threats.
Round 3, Pick 67: Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn
If Stokes was a bet on production, Crawford was Spytek who believed in his potential to be a force.
The offseason saga of Max Crosby spending a few days with the Baltimore Ravens may have something to do with it, but Crawford offers an excellent contingency plan if one or both of Malcolm Coons or Tyree Wilson leave after this season.
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Crawford transferred to Auburn from Arkansas State in 2024 and worked his way up to become a starter in 2025, earning All-SEC Third Team honors. While the sack numbers aren’t necessarily there (11.5 sacks in four seasons), Crawford has shown plenty of ability.
The Raiders hope Crawford can follow a similar career path, starting as a rotation rusher in his rookie season and then playing opposite Crosby in 2027. He will be one of new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard’s first developmental tests.
Round 3, pick 91 (from Houston): Trey Zuhn III, center, Texas A&M
The Raiders received another draft pick from the Texans, with the team selecting Zaun as a depth offensive lineman.
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Interestingly, the Raiders list him as offensive guard, a position Zaun didn’t play last season. In 13 games, he played left tackle in 11 games and center in the remaining 2 games, the latter being considered his NFL position.
Zunn, who shared the Jacobs Blocking Trophy with No. 12 overall pick Kadin Proctor, allowed just two sacks to Auburn and Miami in the College Football Playoff. His lack of length may limit him moving forward inside, but the Raiders will have no problem grabbing a versatile offensive lineman who can fill three or even four spots if injured.
What happens next on day three?
The Raiders have six selections on Saturday, and they have a chance to continue their search for quality depth.
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Defensive tackle and wide receiver are still in play, with plenty of quality players still being used at both positions.
If the Raiders are more interested in potential than need, Tennessee cornerback Jermaine McCoy could still be available. McCoy was widely considered a first-round talent, but medical treatment on his knee indicated he would need surgery, which would require a redshirt rookie season. However, at this stage of the draft, the Raiders might be willing to take a chance if the reward outweighs the risk.
