The Las Vegas Raiders are likely to start by getting a new quarterback. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, but the rebuild won’t just be about getting a new quarterback. In fact, it’s the opposite side of the ball that’ll need just as much help.
In our latest three-round mock draft, which puts an emphasis on new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard’s unit, the Raiders aim to strengthen their defense with immediate-impact players. They are seeking athletes who can enhance speed, improve coverage, and provide solutions on third downs, as well as exhibit the discipline necessary to finish drives effectively in the red zone.
Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft: Rebuilding the defense becomes the priority…
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Drafting Fernando Mendoza is a strategic choice that prioritizes structure over stardom. He’s closer to Matt Leinart than Cam Newton: polished, decisive, and not a special athlete. That’s the risk—and the idea.
When the play is drawn up clean, Mendoza makes it look easy. He sees coverage, reads leverage, and puts the ball on the upfield shoulder so receivers keep running. His feet are calm, his release is compact, and he doesn’t waste motion. After the snap, he plays fast and usually avoids the “please don’t do that” throws.
The Raiders have to treat him like a point guard: protect him, stay in second-and-manageable, and let play-action create answers. If the structure cracks, his margin disappears. In Las Vegas, his selection is as much a coaching test as a quarterback pick.
Round 2, No. 36: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Keith Abney II embodies the type of defensive versatility that the Raiders require: his ability to reduce tells on the field. He can effectively play on the left or right or even slide into the slot, and he has experience in zone, off-man, and press coverage. This versatility is crucial because modern offenses are focused on exploiting matchups rather than sticking to traditional positions.
Abney’s value is in the transition phase—backpedal to drive—where separation is either allowed or erased. His most effective usage occurs in off-man, zone, and pattern-match rules, where his processing and physicality disrupt timing without posing a pass-interference risk. He attacks the catch point with intent, competes through contact, and tackles like he expects to be in the run fit. That’s not flash. That’s functional defense.
Round 3, No. 67: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Josiah Trotter is a quintessential “speed to spill” linebacker, characterized by his quick diagnosis, rapid trigger, and swift arrival to the play. When defending against the run, he effectively reads blocking schemes, navigates through second-level traffic, and delivers impactful hits.
Trotter’s tackling style is efficient and decisive, employing a wrap technique with minimal wasted motion. Additionally, he has a keen ability to recognize screens early, allowing him to neutralize them effectively.
What happens when the offense takes away the run key? Play-action can throw him off his game, and his stiff hips show when he has to turn and carry in space. He doesn’t always know what’s going on in his zone, and man coverage on backs can make it challenging for him to change direction. Taking him means betting that the Raiders can keep him safe and protected by rules, not by matchups.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images