Raiders Draft: Mendoza, Defense, and Trade

0:00It's April 22nd, this is California News today, driven by AI. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, their first since 2007, and it's all but locked. They'll grab quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana to reset the franchise. With nine more picks to play with, including six in the top 150, General Manager John Spitech wants to build a solid crew around Mendoza, prioritizing defense over flash offense. Earlier this off season, they patched holes by adding starters like Nickel Corner, Taren Johnson, linebacker's Kwe Walker, and Nicobie Dean, plus Edge. Russia's quality pay in Malcolm Cone, with all pro Max Crosby staying put. Still, the defensive line lacks depth beyond resigning Thomas Booker IV, and the secondary is Stin with just three safeties on the roster. Spitech's open to trading back like last year, chasing extra picks at the deals are right. But at number 36 in the second round, they might.

1:01Snag a top defensive tackle like Kaden McDonald from Ohio State, or Kristen Miller from Georgia. Safety feels like a must too, eyeing guys like Ballhog Bud Clark from TCU, or Versatile Kamari Ramsey from USC to beef up the back in. On offense, they've scouted wide receivers hard, hosting visits for prospects like Chris Bell and Elijah Sarat, Mendoza's old Indiana teammate who could be a third round steal. They might add a big-bodied X receiver, or even offensive lineman later, since Spitech says you can never have too many up front. With a tighter staff including assistant GM Brian Stark and new coach Clint Kubiak, Spitech's learn from last year's heavy hand, setting up for smarter moves as the draft kicks off Thursday night.