With the Super Bowl a few days away, the Las Vegas Raiders have pushed themselves into the spotlight by hiring Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. He guided an offense that has thrived throughout the postseason, and there is a case that he was the top coach available.
Kubiak’s move to Las Vegas likely hinges on the Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick. Young building blocks such as Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers help, but the clearest selling point is the direct path to a potential franchise quarterback.
A quarterback is the most straightforward addition, but the roster still needs upgrades across the board. With a chance to find starters in each of the first three rounds, the Raiders are well-positioned to add immediate contributors early.
Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft: What to do on Day 2?
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Mendoza is the clearest choice atop the draft and the only quarterback who makes sense for a Raiders team that still lacks a long-term answer at the position.
The pick is even more compelling after Las Vegas hired Kubiak. He is still with the Seahawks as they chase a Super Bowl title, and his offenses have built a reputation for creativity, explosiveness and quarterback-friendly structure.
That approach should fit Mendoza and a young core that includes Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker. Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL draft, but the Mendoza-Kubiak pairing gives the Raiders a more defined plan—and a more believable path forward.
Round 2, No. 36: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (FL)
One of the fastest risers in this year’s class, Miami’s Keionte Scott is among the top defensive players still on the board.
Projected primarily as a slot corner in the NFL, Scott offers a skill set that fits most schemes. He makes plays on the ball—highlighted by his pick-six against Ohio State—and also brings value as a reliable tackler and blitzer.
For the Raiders, Scott could step in as an immediate starter for a defense that needs upgrades at every level. He also plays with an edge and competitiveness that fits a team trying to reset its identity.
Round 3, No. 67: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The Raiders’ much-maligned offensive line should be a priority for upgrades this offseason, and Clemson tackle Blake Miller fits that plan if he’s available.
Miller has been an iron man since arriving on campus, starting his first game as a true freshman and never missing a start. That experience shows up on film, particularly in how quickly he identifies and handles post-snap twists and stunts.
He is a talented athlete, but his hips can look tight when he has to turn and run against speed off the edge, which could push him into Day 2. Even so, he profiles as a high-floor addition who could compete for snaps immediately in Las Vegas.
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