The Las Vegas Raiders have traded back into the first round, acquiring a new defensive core in our latest three-round mock draft. We believe this is one of our better ideas; you might as well check out our previous ideas.
At this stage, it is widely accepted that Raiders general manager John Spytek will select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. The real work will come after the Raiders have selected their future franchise signal-caller. It’s plausible that Spytek can get back into the late first round and grab an instant starter for Rob Leonard’s defense.
The Silver and Black need playmakers pretty much all over the defense outside of Maxx Crosby and Jeremy Chinn. Combined with a Day 1 trade and an intelligent pick on Day 2, it instantly gives Leonard a foundation to get to work with. Let’s take a look at a potential scenario involving the Seattle Seahawks.
- Raiders receive: 32nd pick
- Seahawks receive: 36th pick and ’27 3rd round pick
Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft: Giving Rob Leonard’s defense an identity
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza is not the quarterback who turns chaos into highlights. He is the quarterback who keeps the offense clean. He wins with accuracy, timing, and smart decisions when the game gets tight. Mendoza reads coverages quickly, throws with touch, and hits receivers in stride on the routes that move chains. He also needs help. His arm is good, not special, and he is not going to run away from trouble. That makes pass protection a must, not a luxury.
If the Raiders draft him, the message is simple: build the line, stay on schedule, and let precision win.
Round 1, No. 32: T.J. Parker, Clemson, EDGE
T.J. Parker is not a flashy pick but the “right” pick. He is the kind of player who raises the floor of a defense and honestly, he’ll fit nicely with Crosby. He’s strong at the point of attack, hard to move, and he sets a real edge against the run. As a pass rusher, his long-arm power can collapse the pocket, and his effort keeps plays alive even when the first move stalls. Clemson did not ask him to drop often, but he looked comfortable in short zones when it came up.
He may not be an elite athlete, but he is reliable. The Raiders need more of that.
Round 3, No. 67: Kamari Ramsey, DB, USC
Kamari Ramsey is not a “toolbox” safety. He is a problem solver. He reads quarterback eyes, jumps short routes and cuts off yards after the catch before they start. Ramsey can match tight ends in man coverage, play deep, fit the run and handle the slot without looking out of place. The screen game does not fool him. He triggers downhill and finishes with intent. At the catch point, he plays through hands and separates the receiver from the ball. Add special teams value and he is active on game day immediately.
For the Raiders, that is function, not flash.
Another trade by Raiders GM John Spytek…
Here’s a bit of a swerve for you Raiders fans. Spytek decides to make a move for the 100th overall pick, which he can use to draft an offensive weapon for Mendoza. To do this, he parlays with the Jacksonville Jaguars; take a look.
- Raiders receive: 100th pick, 124th pick, and 162nd pick
- Jaguars receive: 102nd pick and 117th pick
Round 3, No. 100: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
Deion Burks is not just a fast receiver. He creates problems right away with his first step, and his 4.43 speed shows up when he gets into space. He runs sharp routes, especially on in-breakers, and he understands where to sit in zone coverage to help his quarterback. Burks tracks the ball well, catches it clean, and can adjust when throws are not perfect. Give him screens, sweeps, and quick touches, and he can turn a small play into a big gain. For the Raiders, that is real value, not hype.
*Top Photo: Getty Images