B-
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders left with their quarterback, and a B- to match.
by Grumzy ·
2026 NFL Draft
· 10 picks
· 6 steals
· 1 reaches
They finally answered the question that shadows every other one. Fernando Mendoza is the Raiders' quarterback, full stop. No fireworks, but a solid B-.
The Nowakowski reach is the anchor dragging on the value grade. The edge rusher hole is the one line item this class does not answer. On value alone, Everette makes the weekend a net positive.
All told, a solid class that does its job everywhere but edge rusher.
Pick-by-Pick
In pick No. 1 they get their guy under center for the next decade. A real need, handled.
By-the-book stuff, Dillon Thieneman at the 36th overall pick squarely in line with his ranking. It thickens a room that could stand to be thicker.
A top-tier interior defensive lineman at a bargain, Lee Hunter in the 67th pick, plain and simple. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
Taking Daylen Everette in pick 102 is close to grand larceny; a cornerback that good had no business lasting this long. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
Treydan Stukes in No. 117 is a gift, value that borders on unfair. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
Jack Endries is a better player than slot 134 suggests; smart patience, rewarded. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
They read the board right and Reggie Virgil was the payoff at Round 5, Pick 35. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
The board screamed and they did not listen, reaching into the next round for Riley Nowakowski. The roster fit checks out.
VJ Payne in the 208th overall pick is a bargain the rest of the room will envy. Pure best-available; the position was not exactly begging.
A straight-up fair deal on Keyshaun Elliott at No. 219, value and slot in agreement. It adds depth where they could use a little.