Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek faces significant pressure to produce a draft class that could transform the franchise this year. With numerous gaps to fill on a lackluster roster, trading back a few spots to gather a substantial collection of picks could yield substantial rewards.
Taking Fernando Mendoza as the number one overall pick won’t magically change anything. On the other hand, the Raiders cannot enter the next season with a defense that continues to perform below standard. By trading back and acquiring additional picks, an entire defense could be had—the question will be whether Spytek will go against the current and do what needs to be done.
Let’s examine one potential scenario, as unpopular as it may be. The Arizona Cardinals are also in desperate need of a quarterback; why not fleece them if that’s the case?
- Cardinals receive: 1st overall pick
- Raiders receive: 3rd overall pick, ’26 2nd round pick, ’26 3rd round pick, ’27 2nd round pick
Round 1, No. 3: Rueben Bain Jr., DL, Miami (FL)
Rueben Bain Jr. is the type of edge rusher who arrives with the force of a storm front—loud, swift, and impossible to overlook. A tangible red flag is his arm length. An NFL tackle boasting long arms could easily negate his pass rush if he doesn’t get a clean win. In the open field, a nimble running back can make him look foolish, forcing him into clumsy attempts to bring them down. Should his first action be met with resistance, he’ll require further strategies to adapt.
Still, the tape keeps whispering: pro-ready power, downhill violence, three-down utility. If the Raiders want disruption, Bain offers it early.
Round 2, No. 34: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Drafting Anthony Hill Jr. would be akin to acquiring a flashy sports car for a joyride down the Strip: exhilarating, quick, and sometimes veering off course. He explodes into run action, a blur, but if he loses focus on his assignment, cutbacks become a problem. Larger linemen can grab hold and direct him, compelling him to rely on his technique, not just chance.
In space, fast running backs can still put him in conflict and force him to cover in a phone booth. The Raiders would be drafting a special athlete, but the work is clear: play with better leverage, trust his hands, and slow his trigger just enough to stay disciplined. That last part is the hardest. His game runs hot, and the NFL punishes guessing. Can Las Vegas coach the details without sanding down what makes him dangerous, or does the speed become the warning sign?
Round 2, No. 36: Gabe Jacas, DL, Illinois
Selecting Jacas would be a gamble on potential, not a decision based on established performance. Illinois frequently removed him from crucial running plays, and the film reveals the reasoning: he doesn’t always bring the necessary physicality to the line of scrimmage, tends to play upright, and can be overpowered when opposing tackles gain the advantage. Shorter arms are also present, resulting in less extension and fewer clean sheds.
As a rusher, he does not always threaten with first-step juice, and his handwork can arrive late, letting linemen set the terms. The upside is there. With the right coaching staff in place, Hill could become a defensive star in Sin City.
Related: Who should be the next Las Vegas Raiders head coach?
Round 3, No. 65: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Chambliss is the kind of quarterback who makes a coach reach for the espresso. At 200 pounds, he plays like contact is a suggestion, which is fun until Sundays start collecting receipts. The arm flashes, but routine throws can wobble, and tight-window layering is still a work in progress. He can bail from clean pockets when the first read is gone, choosing improv over structure.
Additionally, it is reasonable to question the reasons behind Chambliss’s success—whether it stems from his skill, the strategic plan in place, or a combination of both. For the Raiders, he does not represent a definitive solution. He is a mid-round pick, a gamble on potential, a bit of a wild card, and there is a looming concern regarding his health.
Round 3, No. 67: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
If the Raiders draft Lane, they’re selecting a “my ball” receiver in a league that prioritizes speed. He high-points the ball as if he’s grabbing rebounds, and his football IQ is evident when corners play off him—he uses leverage, finds open space, and makes the throw look effortless.
His size allows him to play various roles: outside as an X receiver or inside as a powerful slot. However, the key question remains: can he consistently make the catch? He doesn’t always separate vertically, so his highlights can serve as both a showcase and a caution. In press-man coverage, a lean frame can be pushed off course. Can craft beat speed?
Thoughts, Raider Nation? What do you think of this haul? A warchest full of draft capital could revolutionize the Raiders.
*Top Photo: Getty Images