Full Breakdown
Raiders Target Impact Players at No. 36 in 2026 NFL Draft
4/25/2026, 8:38:29 AM
Draft Board Strategy and GM John Spytek's Outlook
After selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the 36th pick in the second round and a third-round pick at 102. General manager John Spytek said the board is well positioned and that he entered the process without preset expectations, but the staff is prepared for any scenario. The team will meet Friday night to decide whether to stay at No. 36, move up, or trade down for additional assets.
Potential Targets on the Board
Among the players still available at No. 36, the Raiders have been linked to several prospects: cornerback Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) offers elite speed but carries a recent knee-surgery risk; defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) fits a 3-4 scheme with interior strength and pass-rush ability; safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) is a hard-hitting ball hawk still refining coverage; wide receiver Denzel Boston (Washington) provides a big, physical target for Mendoza; and cornerback Colton Hood (Tennessee) combines size and physicality, a potential first-round talent.
Criticism & Concerns
Jermod McCoy’s knee surgery raises durability concerns. As one analyst noted, “It’s not quite as big a roll of the dice to use a second-round pick on a player with injury concerns,” underscoring the risk of a high-value selection.
Trade Talk: 49ers’ Interest in Moving Up
San Francisco 49ers, holding the No. 33 pick, have fielded trade inquiries. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that trade discussions were ongoing for the second round, with the 49ers receiving calls about the No. 33 selection. Veteran writer Bill Williamson suggested the Raiders could receive the 36th pick, a fourth-rounder and a day-three selection (around No. 134) in exchange for moving up. No formal agreement has been reported.
Why It Matters: Roster Impact
Adding a defensive back like Hood or McCoy would shore up the secondary and suit a 3-4 defense. A tackle such as McDonald would strengthen interior run stopping and pass rush. Boston would give Mendoza a reliable, contested-catch option, while McNeil-Warren could contribute on special teams and run support. A trade yielding extra picks would deepen the roster.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our board is in a good spot,” — John Spytek, General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders
- “I kind of go into it with no expectations,” — John Spytek
- “According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Niners are taking those calls already throughout the day in advance of Round 2: Trade action could continue into Round 2, where the 49ers are getting calls about the No.” — Tom Pelissero, NFL Network
- “Raiders may be ideal trade partner for 49ers' top pick in NFL Draft's Round 2 Veteran NFL writer Bill Williamson suggested Vegas make an effort to get up to No.” — Bill Williamson, veteran NFL writer
What's Next
The Raiders will make their second-round selection at 4 p.m. PST on Friday. If a trade with San Francisco materializes, the pick could shift, and the team may acquire additional fourth-round and day-three assets. The third-round pick at 102 will follow later in the day, completing the early portion of Las Vegas’ 2026 draft strategy.
