With quarterback Fernando Mendoza secured as the No. 1 overall pick, the Las Vegas Raiders turn their attention to Round 2 of the NFL draft on Friday. They hold the 36th overall selection and also have the 102nd pick in the third round.
General manager John Spytek said the team discussed trading up late in the first round but opted to stay put. “Our board is in a good spot,” he noted. The Raiders added several starters in free agency but still have needs at cornerback, defensive tackle, safety, and wide receiver.
Spytek and his staff planned to meet Thursday night to assess options at No. 36, including the possibility of moving up or down. “I kind of go into it with no expectations,” Spytek said. “But with a level of preparation that we know we’ll be able to handle any scenario that might be thrown at us.”
Here are five prospects still available who fit positions of need for the Raiders:
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy had elite 2024 tape but missed the 2025 season with a knee injury. He ran a blazing 40-yard dash at his pro day, though concerns linger about the cartilage procedure. A second-round pick on a player with injury history is a calculated gamble, but McCoy offers high-end talent at a premium position.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
McDonald fits the Raiders’ new 3-4 base defense as an interior disruptor who can stuff the run and rush the passer. He was frequently mocked in the first round but remains on the board, making him a potential value pick at 36.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
A hard-hitting safety who is always around the ball, McNeil-Warren was considered a first-round prospect but slipped. He needs refinement in pass coverage but would contribute immediately as a physical presence in the secondary.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Boston provides a big, physical target who excels on 50-50 balls and after the catch. He would complement Mendoza’s back-shoulder fades and give the Raiders a different dimension than their current receiving corps.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The other Volunteer cornerback is a safer choice with upside. Hood is physical in coverage and willing to help against the run, though he sometimes misses tackles. With technique refinement, he could become a solid starter.
