Let’s face it: Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has yet to clearly address the current state of his relationship with the organization. Yes, his passion for the sport hasn’t diminished, but with 2026 approaching, what does his future look like? If you’re general manager John Spytek, it may be time to strike while No. 98 still has trade value.
Moving a player of Crosby’s magnitude hasn’t happened since former first-round pick Khalil Mack was shipped to the Chicago Bears. The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, are at a crossroads at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick himself, has largely disappointed. He has struggled to stay healthy and has not shown consistent play. If Minnesota decides it needs a reset, the Vikings could take a big swing at Fernando Mendoza.
For the sake of this mock draft scenario, let’s assume the Silver and Black decide it’s time to sever ties with Crosby. A blockbuster trade follows in which the Vikings land the star pass rusher and the No. 1 overall pick. In return, Spytek receives a significant haul, stockpiling picks to reshape the roster in his own image—one that will no longer include head coach Pete Carroll.
Here’s a concise breakdown of the trade:
- Vikings receive: DE Maxx Crosby, ’26 1st overall pick
- Raiders receive: ’26 17th pick, 49th pick, 81st pick + ’27 1st & 2nd round picks
The fact is, this trade would allow Spytek to rebuild multiple position groups while also creating an intriguing possibility. With both the Vikings’ first-round pick and their own first-rounder, the Raiders would be positioned to target a quarterback the following year—when the class is expected to be stronger. Arch Manning, anyone? Either way, let’s see what Spytek can do with this war chest of draft capital.
Raiders 3-round mock draft: GM John Spytek revolutionizes the Silver and Black
Round 1 (No. 17): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Spencer Fano is the type of lineman the Raiders always say they want: athletic, tough, and calm when things get messy. The Utah tackle moves well for his size and can recover when a play starts to go wrong, often turning trouble into a standstill. He also uses his hands well, which helps him control pass rushers instead of just hanging on. That kind of effort matters on Sundays, especially for a team that has seen too many drives get wrecked by one missed block.
But the conversation cannot ignore the fine print. NFL evaluators have flagged the two traits that often determine where you line up: weight and length. Fano’s build is still on the lighter end for an NFL tackle, and questions about his arm length will not go away until the combine provides answers. That matters in the AFC West, where speed-to-power rushers can turn “almost” pass protection into a sack.
So is he plug-and-play? Yes, with a plan. Start him at tackle from Day 1 and let him compete outside, because true tackle feet are rare and worth the gamble. Cross-train him at guard early as well. If his anchor and patience need time to catch up, guard becomes a pathway, not a demotion, and the Raiders still land a tone-setter up front. Overthinking it is how bad lines stay bad.
Round 2 (No. 33): Gennings Dunker: OT, Iowa
Gennings Dunker looks like a Raider in pads. Iowa’s 6-foot-5, 315-pound right tackle plays with real displacement power, a heavy punch, and the kind of mean finish that turns “run game” from concept into identity.
He hits defenders like he’s kicking them out of the building, then calmly walks them to the door. He plays mean, but he also plays smart. Additionally, he spots stunts and blitzes quickly, which matters for a Raiders offense that keeps ending up in third-and-long. The only real question is where he fits in the pros. NFL edge rushers are faster and more slippery, and if that speed gives him trouble on the outside, some teams will see Dunker as a guard long-term.
If the Raiders draft him, the plan should be simple. Let him compete at tackle, but cross-train him at guard from Day 1. If he sticks outside, you found a tone-setter. If he kicks in, you still upgraded the core. Either way, the line gets teeth.
Round 2 (No. 49): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Ty Simpson is the type of quarterback Raiders fans say they want until they see the measurables. He wins with command, not a cannon. Alabama let him run the show, using motion and protection checks to diagnose coverages. He manipulates safeties with his eyes and gets the ball out quickly, often beating pressure before it arrives.
Simpson’s placement is clean and consistent, turning routine throws into yards-after-catch opportunities. He also plays with real pocket awareness, climbing and sliding with an internal clock that rarely looks rushed.
The big question for Las Vegas is what Ty Simpson becomes in the NFL. Teams still fall in love with huge arms, and his is more solid than special. He could also use a little more size to handle the weekly beating. If the Raiders draft him, they cannot act like he will fix everything by himself. They have to help him out with better protection, a real run game, and a play-caller who keeps things on time. Do that and Simpson can stabilize the franchise. Ignore it and he will be the next quarterback taking the blame for a mess he did not create.
Round 3 (No. 65): Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
Domonique Orange is the kind of prospect who makes a scout spill his coffee and a coordinator read the fine print. At 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds, he shows quickness off the snap and upper-body power that can drive centers and guards backward. He can run down plays laterally, build momentum on stunts, and bring the kind of effort that wears on an offense by the fourth quarter. His testing numbers also support the “freak” label.
The issue is simple: rare traits do not guarantee a three-down role. Shorter arms and a narrow base can show up against combo blocks, and he still needs cleaner backfield control and more pass-rush impact. If the Raiders draft Orange, it should be with a defined role as an early-down disruptor, not a third-and-7 answer.
Round 3 (No. 81): Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Jake Golday is the kind of prospect the Raiders have to get right, because he solves real problems and can create new ones. He plays with real urgency, and the speed shows up on special teams, on blitzes, and when he closes to limit yards after catch. He can shoot gaps, spy quarterbacks, and beat climbing linemen with quickness and leverage. If the Raiders want a core special teamer from Day 1 who can bring heat in sub packages, Golday fits.
Now the hard part. Linebacker is not just speed and contact. Golday’s zone awareness can drift, and he can get caught with his eyes in the backfield. That is how NFL quarterbacks steal easy throws. His run diagnosis can also be a tick late, and he still needs more lower-body strength to anchor.
Draft him with a clear role and a coaching plan. Draft him hoping instincts appear on Sundays, and it will not end well.
Thoughts on this haul, Raider Nation?
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