INDIANAPOLIS — When the NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this week at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Las Vegas Raiders will have a full agenda that goes far beyond the expected absence of projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza from on-field drills.
New coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek are leading their first draft together, and the roster needs help at nearly every position. The team holds nine picks after the first overall selection, making the combine a critical talent-finding mission.
Last year, the Seattle Seahawks — where Kubiak served as offensive coordinator — unearthed safety Nick Emmanwori and offensive lineman Grey Zabel at the combine. Both became key contributors on Seattle’s Super Bowl-winning team, a model the Raiders hope to replicate.
Emmanwori posted the highest Relative Athletic Score of any safety prospect in combine history. Zabel erased doubts about his FCS background. Both play positions the Raiders could target this year.
“Wide receiver is really, really good,” NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. “I think I have 19 guys with grades that put them in the top three rounds. Corners, we have a nice mix of outside guys and one of the really good groups of slot guys I’ve seen the last couple years.”
Jeremiah also noted defensive tackle depth: “Second to fourth round is a nice sweet spot. You’ve got some real big guys in there.”
The Raiders need wide receivers, cornerbacks, linebackers and potentially defensive linemen. They may also eye edge rushers if the situation with Maxx Crosby forces a move. Crosby’s availability is expected to be a hot topic behind the scenes.
On-field workouts begin Thursday with defensive linemen and linebackers. Friday features defensive backs and tight ends. Saturday brings offensive skill positions — Mendoza won’t throw, but wide receivers are a priority. The event concludes Sunday with offensive line drills, a key area for the Raiders.
The most important work, however, happens out of public view. Kubiak and Spytek will meet extensively with Mendoza, who is expected to attend meetings but skip drills. They’ll also hold private conversations at Indianapolis hotspots like St. Elmo’s and Harry & Izzy’s, where agents and executives mingle.
