The Las Vegas Raiders advance into the next stage of their roster development, laying a strong foundation for future success. Following major free agency acquisitions, general manager John Spytek adopts a measured approach to address remaining gaps. With the NFL Draft approaching, the Raiders hold 10 valuable picks to accelerate their rebuild.
This projected seven-round mock draft utilizes the Pro Football Focus simulator, selecting for the Raiders while simulating other teams with minimal randomness.
Round 1, Pick 1 (No. 1 overall): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders urgently require a franchise quarterback. Mendoza, the national champion, stands out as the top option in a thin quarterback class, making this selection highly likely.
Round 2, Pick 4 (No. 36 overall): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Draft intrigue builds here for the Raiders, who traded their No. 14 pick to the Baltimore Ravens in the Maxx Crosby deal. Hood excels in press coverage, disrupts receivers at the line, possesses the speed to match routes, and delivers impactful plays—ideal for a scheme akin to Brian Flores under defensive coordinator Rob Leonard.
Round 3, Pick 3 (No. 67 overall): Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Orange occupies space effectively against the run, serving as a reliable nose tackle. While his pass-rush skills need development, he projects as a two-down stalwart to bolster the interior line.
Round 4, Pick 2 (No. 102 overall): Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
The receiving group craves a physical X-receiver. Fields compensates for modest top speed with contested-catch prowess and toughness, pairing perfectly with Brock Bowers and the unit’s outside speedsters.
Round 4, Pick 17 (No. 117 overall): Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
Casey delivers college production despite arm-length limitations and scheme questions. As Boise State’s top blocker during Ashton Jeanty’s record-setting runs, he shares a bond with the Raiders running back and offers guard versatility.
Round 4, Pick 34 (No. 134 overall): Kaytron Allen, HB, Penn State
Head coach Klint Kubiak emphasizes a complementary back to Jeanty. Allen thrives on early downs and in short-yardage, easing wear on the primary runner.
Round 5, Pick 35 (No. 175 overall): Nadame Tucker, Edge, Western Michigan
With ample picks, the Raiders can gamble on high-upside projects. Tucker’s explosive 2024 breakout follows a basketball background and late football start. His fluid athleticism shines in pass rush, though run defense and technique require polishing—positioning him as a third-down asset.
Round 6, Pick 4 (No. 185 overall): Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC
A former high school quarterback, Fitzgerald leverages offensive instincts to anticipate passing plays. Lacking elite speed and run support, he fits as a late-round coverage specialist.
Round 6, Pick 27 (No. 208 overall): Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
Brailsford masters schemes with sharp intelligence. He serves as an ideal apprentice to Tyler Linderbaum or guard reinforcement, despite penalty concerns.
Round 7, Pick 3 (No. 219 overall): Dominic Zvada, K, Michigan
After parting with Daniel Carlson for inconsistent Matt Gay, the Raiders need kicking stability. Zvada’s powerful leg and 50-plus accuracy stand out, even with shorter-range inconsistencies in 2025.
