Perfect Picks 2026: Las Vegas Raiders
By Jack Brentnall
2025 was a season to forget for the Raiders. Any optimism surrounding the arrival of Pete Carroll and Geno Smith quickly dissipated as injuries mounted, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was fired midseason, and the team slumped to its worst campaign in almost two decades. The year ultimately ended with Carroll being dismissed after just one season at the helm.
This Perfect Picks article explores what an ideal draft could look like if the board breaks the right way. Rather than predicting draft weekend outcomes, the focus is on fit, value, and long-term roster construction, identifying prospects who align with the Raiders’ needs at each stage of the draft.
The selections below account for scheme, roster holes, and realistic draft ranges, moving from early-round building blocks to mid-round value and late-round upside.
Round 1 - Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
When you hold the No. 1 overall pick and lack a long-term answer at quarterback, the decision is straightforward. You take a swing at finding your franchise signal-caller. The only real debate here is between Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore.
The Geno Smith experiment has failed, and while broader offensive issues have plagued Las Vegas, the need for a true cornerstone under center is clear. Mendoza offers that foundation.
At 6’5” and 225 pounds, he brings prototypical NFL size paired with impressive accuracy, sound decision-making, and sufficient arm strength to operate an NFL passing game. He has consistently delivered in high-leverage moments, showing poise and control when games tighten, a trait that will resonate with coaching staffs.
There will be questions about Mendoza’s ultimate ceiling due to average athleticism and limited out-of-structure creativity. Even so, his profile projects cleanly to a dependable, long-term starter, a bet well worth making at first overall.
Round 2 - Blake Miller (OT, Clemson)
Offensive line help remains a pressing need for the Raiders. Outside of Kolton Miller, there is little to build around, making an early investment up front a logical follow-on to selecting a quarterback.
Blake Miller brings rare experience for a college tackle, having started since his true freshman season at Clemson and logging more than 3,700 career snaps. His athletic profile stands out immediately, with exceptional explosiveness and fluid movement skills that allow him to operate comfortably in space.
Miller also brings a physical edge. He plays with a finisher’s mentality, delivers a jolting outside hand in pass protection, and consistently disrupts rushers’ timing. He has allowed just three sacks since 2024 across more than 1,000 pass-blocking snaps, production that matches the traits on tape.
Mid Round Gem - Parker Brailsford (IOL, Alabama)
Given the state of the Raiders’ offensive line, doubling down in the trenches on day three makes sense. Center, in particular, looms as a question mark entering 2026, with Jordan Meredith set for free agency and Alex Cappa entering the final year of his deal after a difficult season.
Brailsford has been a stabilising presence on Alabama’s offensive line since following Kalen DeBoer from Washington. He is a high-level athlete with consistent pass protection reliability, using quick feet, active hands, and leverage to stay balanced.
There are size concerns. At 290 lbs, Brailsford would be among the lightest center prospects in recent memory and will need to add functional mass. Still, his intelligence, movement skills, and technical foundation give him a strong chance to outperform his draft slot.
Late Round Sleeper - Melkart Abou-Jaoude (EDGE, North Carolina)
With uncertainty surrounding Maxx Crosby’s long-term future and Malcolm Koonce approaching free agency, edge depth is an area the Raiders should look to address late in the draft.
Abou-Jaoude profiles as a classic day-three swing. At 6’5” and 260 pounds, he brings appealing size and length, paired with heavy hands that allow him to overwhelm blockers at the point of attack. He is particularly effective as a run defender, consistently setting the edge and controlling his gap.
His athletic ceiling is modest by NFL standards, but there are signs of developmental upside as a pass rusher. He finished the season with 12 sacks, tied for third nationally, production that makes him a worthwhile bet if he’s on the board this late in the draft.
Draft in full
1 (R1) – Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
36 (R2) – Blake Miller (OT, Clemson)
67 (R3) – Chris Brazzell (WR, Tennessee)
102 (R4) – Parker Brailsford (IOL, Alabama)
128 (R4) – Bryce Boettcher (LB, Oregon)
134 (R4) – Jaeden Roberts (IOL, Alabama)
174 (R5) – DeMonte Capehart (IDL, Clemson)
184 (R6) – Melkart Abou-Jaoude (EDGE, North Carolina)
214 (R7) – Jakobe Thomas (S, Miami)
