The Las Vegas Raiders emerged from the 2026 NFL draft with a transformed roster and a clear identity shift. Over four days, general manager John Spytek made 10 selections and added undrafted free agents, signaling a departure from the cautious approach some critics had alleged.

Fernando Mendoza Takes Center Stage

The team’s selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick was the headline event. Mendoza, who led Miami to a national championship in January, was introduced to an electric atmosphere at the team facility on Friday. His No. 15 jersey quickly became the hottest seller in sports. While the excitement is palpable, the reality is that Mendoza’s performance will define the franchise for the next five to 10 years.

Spytek’s Aggressive Approach

Spytek refuted claims of being a cautious bargain hunter by trading up to select cornerback Jermod McCoy, a high-risk, high-reward pick. He also traded former first-round pick Tyree Wilson, a move that signaled a willingness to move on from past investments. Earlier, Spytek had signed free agent Tyler Linderbaum to a record deal.

Speed on Offense, Depth in Secondary

New head coach Klint Kubiak’s influence was evident in the draft’s emphasis on speed. Wide receiver Malik Benson and running back Mike Washington Jr. both ran sub-4.4-second 40-yard dashes. On defense, the Raiders drafted four defensive backs, including versatile Arizona teammates Treydan Stukes and Dalton Jonnson, and cornerback Hezekiah Masses, who led the nation in passes defensed last year.

Kicker Competition Brewing

The Raiders allowed veteran kicker Daniel Carlson’s contract to expire and signed Matt Gay in free agency. They then added undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa from Hawaii, nicknamed “The Tokyo Toe.” Matsuzawa will compete with Gay for the starting job, a battle that could extend through training camp.