The Las Vegas Raiders attacked free agency aggressively, filling several major roster holes before the draft even began. Adding veterans such as Connor Heyward, Jalen Nailor, Tyler Linderbaum, Malcolm Koonce, Kwity Paye, Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, Taron Johnson, and Eric Stokes reshaped the roster and stabilized several key areas.
Because of those moves, the Raiders entered the draft with flexibility rather than desperation. With All Pro tight end Brock Bowers already one of the league’s most dangerous weapons and last year’s first round running back Ashton Jeanty emerging as the centerpiece of the ground game, Las Vegas had the luxury of focusing on long term roster building.
Still, several needs remained clear: quarterback, tackle, cornerback, and wide receiver.
This mock draft reflects a team that attacked free agency to stabilize the roster and then used the draft to secure the future.
Pick 1
Las Vegas Raiders select Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Rationale
This is the definition of a no brainer.
When the top quarterback in the class is sitting there at pick No. 1 and you need a franchise signal caller, you take him and never look back. The Raiders reset the franchise with Fernando Mendoza.
With Brock Bowers already an All Pro level tight end and Ashton Jeanty providing explosive production out of the backfield, Mendoza walks into a situation with real offensive weapons around him.
The Raiders are officially turning the page. Mendoza becomes the face of the franchise and the foundation of everything moving forward.
Pick 36
Las Vegas Raiders select Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Rationale
Once you draft your franchise quarterback, the next move is obvious. Protect him.
Kadyn Proctor was the best tackle on the board and fills a serious need. After a strong season at Alabama, Proctor has the size, power, and experience to step into the NFL and compete right away.
The Raiders did exactly what smart organizations do. Draft the quarterback first. Then immediately draft the tackle who is going to protect him for the next decade.
Pick 67
Las Vegas Raiders select Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Rationale
Branch brings elite speed and playmaking ability. He is at his best when the ball is in his hands, whether that comes on screens, jet sweeps, or quick hitters.
He may be a smaller receiver, but he plays big when it matters.
This is the type of player defensive coordinators hate. Branch adds explosive speed to an offense that already features Bowers and Jeanty. When the ball gets into his hands, he has the ability to change the game instantly.
Pick 102
Las Vegas Raiders select Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Rationale
Ted Hurst is one of the more intriguing receivers in the draft. At 6 foot 3 with 4.42 speed, the physical tools jump off the page.
The reason he slides this far is the level of competition at Georgia State.
But when you run 4.42 at that size, teams pay attention. Hurst is a dawg and could easily outperform his draft position if he adjusts to the NFL quickly.
Pick 117
Las Vegas Raiders select DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
Rationale
This is a solid defensive line addition that fills a real need. Capehart brings size and strength to the interior defensive line.
The Raiders added edge rushers in free agency, but the interior still needed reinforcements. Capehart gives them a strong rotational defensive tackle who can help control the line of scrimmage.
Pick 134
Las Vegas Raiders select Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana
Rationale
This pick carries a bit more risk because of the level of competition at Southeastern Louisiana.
But the measurables are there. Kaleb Proctor has the size and physical tools teams look for in developmental defensive linemen. If he develops properly, this could turn into a strong value selection.
Pick 174
Las Vegas Raiders select Hezekiah Masses, CB, California
Rationale
Cornerback remains one of the biggest needs on the roster. Masses is a solid corner who can provide depth and competition in the secondary.
The Raiders added Taron Johnson in free agency, but you can never have too many corners in today’s NFL. Masses brings physicality and coverage ability to a secondary that still needed reinforcement.
Pick 184
Las Vegas Raiders select Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Rationale
This is a bit of a risk, but it is a worthwhile one.
Davis has outstanding size and length, which makes him an intriguing developmental corner.
Tall corners who can run are valuable in the NFL. If Davis develops, the Raiders could walk away with one of the steals of the later rounds.
Pick 207
Las Vegas Raiders select Eli Heidenreich, FB, Navy
Rationale
This pick is about versatility and toughness.
Heidenreich is more than just a traditional fullback. He brings physicality to the offense and can contribute in multiple roles. In the Navy offense he was everything, WR, TE, RB, he played everything on offense but O-Line and QB. This is a versatile weapon that can be deployed all over the field to fill many holes.
This is where the Raiders add a player who can do the dirty work. Heidenreich can block, contribute in short yardage situations, and help set the tone for the offense.
With Ashton Jeanty already carrying the load in the backfield, having a playmaker who can create lanes and do the heavy lifting becomes extremely valuable. Heidenreich fits perfectly with that identity.
This is also the type of player who usually becomes a core special teams contributor early in his career while carving out a role in the offense.
Pick 238
Las Vegas Raiders select Jamal Haynes, RB, Georgia Tech
Rationale
This is one of the more interesting picks of the draft.
Haynes is more of a speed back who can provide relief for Ashton Jeanty. He showed impressive burst and playmaking ability last season. But the real intrigue comes from his ability in the passing game.
Jamal Haynes might be one of the best under the radar pass catching running backs in the entire draft.
At Georgia Tech, whenever he was used in the passing game he absolutely lit it up. Screens, dump offs, check downs, safety valve routes. He consistently produced explosive plays when given those opportunities.
In an NFL offense, that skill set becomes incredibly valuable.
If the Raiders deploy Haynes in that role as a receiving back, he could quietly become one of the most productive late round picks in the class. Pairing him with Jeanty creates a versatile backfield where one back can handle the power workload while the other becomes a dynamic weapon in space.
Sometimes the seventh round is where teams find players who outplay their draft slot.
Haynes has that kind of potential.
Overall Draft Outlook
The Raiders came into this offseason needing a franchise quarterback and more offensive weapons. Free agency helped stabilize the roster and allowed the draft to focus on long term roster building.
Key takeaways from this class:
• The franchise quarterback arrives in Fernando Mendoza
• Kadyn Proctor protects the future at tackle
• Explosive speed enters the offense with Zachariah Branch
• Ted Hurst brings size and speed at receiver
• The defensive line gains depth and strength
• Cornerback depth is addressed
• Jamal Haynes adds a dangerous receiving element out of the backfield
Most importantly, the Raiders now have a clear offensive identity.
Fernando Mendoza running the offense, Brock Bowers dominating the middle of the field, Ashton Jeanty carrying the ground game, and explosive playmakers surrounding them.
For the first time in a while, Las Vegas looks like a team building something sustainable.
