A Full Mock Draft If Las Vegas Trades Down and Rolls With Kirk Cousins
In this scenario, the Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick, but a quarterback-needy team makes an aggressive move to jump up for their franchise signal caller. Rather than forcing a rookie quarterback into the lineup, Las Vegas accepts the offer, stockpiles picks, and rolls into the season with Kirk Cousins leading the offense. THIS WILL NOT Happen. I repeat THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN, BUT he knew the Saints would trade their entire draft for Ricky Williams, Who knew the Texans could pull off trades and get two franchise changing players in one draft, Who knew Shedeur Sanders would not be drafted until the 5th round? The answer is NO ONE and though the prevailing thought is that Mendoza is the guy at one and that won’t change even if a team offers the house. This mock is a careful exercise into the “we don’t know everything” side of the unexpected realities of the NFL Draft.
The strategy is simple: build the roster first. Add talent across the board, improve depth, and create a more complete team while still taking a calculated swing on a quarterback later in the draft.
The Trade
Raiders Receive
- Pick 3 (Round 1)
- Pick 34 (Round 2)
- Pick 65 (Round 3)
- Pick 104 (Round 4)
- Pick 143 (Round 5)
Cardinals Receive
- Pick 1 (Round 1)
Instead of selecting a quarterback at the top of the draft, Las Vegas moves down just two spots but gains four additional premium picks. That extra capital allows the Raiders to fill multiple roster needs while maintaining flexibility for the future.
The Picks
Pick 3 – Caleb Downs – S – Ohio State
Analysis
This pick is about leadership as much as talent.
Caleb Downs is widely considered one of the smartest defensive players in the entire draft. His ability to diagnose plays, communicate coverages, and organize the secondary gives the Raiders something they desperately need, a true defensive leader.
Downs also brings elite versatility. He can play deep safety, drop into the slot, or step into the box against the run. His alignment usage at Ohio State shows just how valuable he can be in multiple roles.
For the Raiders, this is a foundational defensive piece.
Pick 34 – Peter Woods – DI – Clemson
Analysis
Peter Woods is exactly the kind of defensive tackle the Raiders need to strengthen their defensive front.
He brings power, explosiveness, and the ability to collapse the pocket from the interior. That type of disruption opens opportunities for edge rushers and makes life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
Woods has the potential to become a cornerstone of the defensive line.
Pick 36 – Brandon Cisse – CB – South Carolina
Analysis
Even after free agency, cornerback remains a need for the Raiders.
Brandon Cisse gives Las Vegas a physical outside corner who can hold up in both man and zone coverage. He allowed a low completion percentage in college and brings strong run support from the perimeter.
Cisse fits perfectly with a defense that wants to play aggressive and physical.
Pick 65 – Zachariah Branch – WR – Georgia
Analysis
The Raiders need wide receiver help.
The current group features Jalen Nailor and Jack Bech, but the offense still needs another explosive weapon. Zachariah Branch brings exactly that.
Branch is electric with the ball in his hands. He can line up in the slot, create instant separation, and turn short passes into big plays. His yards per route run and success against man coverage highlight just how dangerous he can be.
Branch adds speed and playmaking to the offense.
Pick 67 – Ted Hurst – WR – Georgia State
Analysis
Branch brings speed and quickness. Ted Hurst brings size.
If the Raiders want their wide receiver group to resemble a basketball lineup, this pick completes the roster.
PG – Zachariah Branch
SG – Jalen Nailor
SF – Jack Bech
PF – Dont’e Thornton
C – Ted Hurst
Hurst is big, tall, and fast. He produced nearly 1,000 yards receiving and has the size to win contested catches downfield. With Branch providing quickness and Hurst bringing size, the Raiders suddenly have a balanced receiving corps.
Pick 102 – Carson Beck – QB – Miami
Analysis
This is where the Raiders take their swing at quarterback.
Carson Beck had an outstanding season and helped lead his team to significant success. Despite his production and strong performance, he did not receive the same meteoric rise up draft boards that players like Cameron Ward experienced a year earlier.
However, Beck’s pro day turned heads across the league.
Following that performance, there were rumblings suggesting Beck could climb into Round 2 territory and become this year’s version of Tyler Shough, a quarterback whose late momentum caught the attention of NFL evaluators.
For the Raiders, this is the perfect situation to take that chance.
They are not forced to start him immediately because Kirk Cousins is already in place. Beck can develop behind a veteran quarterback, learn the system, and potentially become a long-term answer.
When you acquire extra draft capital through a trade like this, taking a calculated roll of the dice on a quarterback becomes a smart strategy.
If Beck develops into a starter, this pick could become one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Pick 104 – Markel Bell – T – Miami
Analysis
The Raiders already have a left tackle, but they still need a long-term solution at right tackle.
Markel Bell fits that role.
He had a moment during Senior Bowl practices that drew attention for the wrong reasons, but what mattered most was how he responded. Bell improved throughout the week and even earned praise from opposing pass rushers who noticed the adjustment.
Bell has the tools to develop into a starting right tackle.
Pick 117 – Billy Schrauth – G – Notre Dame
Analysis
You can never have too much offensive line depth.
Billy Schrauth brings toughness and physicality to the interior offensive line. He may not start immediately, but he provides valuable depth and competition.
If injuries happen during the season, players like Schrauth become extremely important.
Pick 134 – Bryce Boettcher – LB – Oregon
Analysis
Bryce Boettcher is simply cold-blooded.
He plays with aggression, instinct, and speed. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and attack downhill makes him a valuable rotational linebacker and special teams contributor early in his career.
Boettcher adds energy and toughness to the defense.
Pick 143 – Jager Burton – C – Kentucky
Analysis
Interior offensive line depth continues to be addressed here.
Jager Burton is a technically sound center who understands protection calls and line adjustments. Even if he begins his career as a backup, having a reliable reserve center is extremely valuable.
This pick strengthens the offensive line depth chart.
Pick 175 – Jeff Caldwell – WR – Cincinnati
Analysis
Another wide receiver adds more depth and competition.
Jeff Caldwell brings developmental upside and athletic ability to the receiver room. Adding multiple receivers creates competition and increases the odds of finding another productive weapon.
Pick 185 – Kaelon Black – RB – Indiana
Analysis
The Raiders already have Ashton Jeanty as their lead running back, but every team needs depth in the backfield.
Kaelon Black provides a complementary option who can contribute in multiple situations.
Pick 208 – Lorenzo Styles Jr. – S – Ohio State
Analysis
Versatility becomes extremely valuable late in the draft.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. has experience playing in the slot, deep safety, and near the line of scrimmage. That flexibility allows defensive coordinators to move him around depending on the situation.
Pick 219 – Eric Gentry – LB – USC
Analysis
Eric Gentry is the kind of late-round player who could become a steal.
He is big, tall, and fast. At nearly 6’6”, his length allows him to disrupt passing lanes and cover tight ends effectively.
Versatility and athletic traits make him an intriguing developmental linebacker.
Final Thoughts
In this scenario, the Raiders resist the temptation to force a quarterback at No. 1.
Instead, they trade down, add valuable draft capital, and build depth across the roster while still taking a smart swing on Carson Beck later in the draft.
The result is a more complete team with improved depth on both sides of the ball.
Sometimes the best move is not rushing to draft a quarterback immediately. Sometimes the best move is building the foundation first.
