2026 NFL draft: Latest Las Vegas Raiders updates, intel, buzz
The 2026 NFL draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh, when theLas Vegas Raiderswill pick first overall in Round 1. The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on April 24 and Rounds 4-7 on April 25 (ESPN, ABC and ESPN the app).
The Raiders have 10 total picks: Nos. 1, 36, 67, 102, 117, 134, 175, 185, 208 and 219. But how will they use them? Which positions need to be addressed? Which prospects are coming in for visits and getting buzz with the Las Vegas front office and coaching staff?
Raiders reporter Ryan McFadden has the latest intel on the team's draft plans, potential targets and more in the lead-up to the 2026 draft. (We will update this page right up until Round 1 begins.)
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More moves to be made in the special teams room
The Raiders signed kicker Matt Gay to a one-year deal after deciding to let Daniel Carlson walk in free agency. But don't anticipate Gay being the only kicker on the roster for much longer. There's a good chance that the Raiders will draft a kicker in the later rounds or sign one as an undrafted free agent. Last month, Las Vegas conducted a private workout with kicker Luke Drzewiecki at New Mexico, a source said. Drzewiecki was tied for the best field goal percentage in the nation (94.7%) in 2025. The Raiders also had a private workout for Boston College long snapper Ben Mann.
Las Vegas looks to host more wide receivers
The Raiders have conducted thorough research on the wide receiver prospects. They hosted Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion, a source said. After Concepcion totaled 61 catches for 919 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, he is projected to be a late first-round or early second-round pick later this month. Las Vegas has also met with Washington's Denzel Boston and Georgia State's Ted Hurst. They are expected to meet with Georgia's Zachariah Branch and Louisville's Chris Bell in the coming weeks.
Las Vegas needs to continue strengthening the support staff around Mendoza after signing center Tyler Linderbaum and wide receiver Jalen Nailor in free agency. Even though Las Vegas drafted Dont'e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech in last year's draft, both players underperformed as rookies. With that said, adding to the room seems like a logical move.
Is it safe to say the Raiders will draft a defensive tackle?
The Raiders didn't make too many free agent moves at defensive tackle outside of re-signing restricted free agent Thomas Booker IV. It's safe to assume that's a signal of them addressing that need through the draft.
Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller have met with the Raiders during the pre-draft process, a source told ESPN. Miller is one of the best defensive tackle prospects in this year's class and could be available when the Raiders pick at No. 36 of the second round. Texas A&M defensive tackle Lee Hunter and Missouri's Chris McClellan have also visited Las Vegas.
Another name to monitor as a potential late-round or undrafted free agent option is Duke's Josiah Green. Although Green didn't attend the scouting combine in Febuary, he impressed teams, including Las Vegas, at Duke's Pro Day in March. The Raiders met with Green after his pro day, expressing their love for his athleticism, a source said.
Surprise! Fernando Mendoza visits Raiders
Tuesday, April 7:FormerIndianaquarterback and projected top overall pick Fernando Mendoza is in Las Vegas on Tuesday, also the first day of the Raiders' offseason workout program. The visit feels like a formality at this point since it's widely expected that the Raiders will draft Mendoza at No. 1. The Raiders have done their homework on Mendoza in recent weeks. They met with the QB at the combine and spoke with him virtually. Last week, Las Vegas sent a large contingent, which included general manager John Spytek, coach Klint Kubiak and offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, to Indiana's pro day and they then met with Mendoza afterward.
At this point the biggest question is whether Mendoza will be the Raiders' Week 1 starter now that they have signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.Kubiak said he prefers a rookie quarterback to learn behind a veteran, but Mendoza could convince the coaching staff to think differently by having a strong training camp.
Could Raiders target a RB in the later rounds?
Tuesday, April 7:Las Vegas has yet to address its need for a running back who can be a suitable wingman for Ashton Jeanty, the team's No. 6 overall pick in 2025. The Raiders hosted formerPittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargersrunning back Najee Harris for a visit last week, according to the league's transaction wire.
However, if a deal doesn't materialize with him or another free agent running back, Las Vegas could target one in the late rounds of the draft. Indiana'sKaelon Blackcould be an option for the Raiders. He played a significant role in the Hoosiers' rushing attack, totaling 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns on 186 carries.
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