Full Breakdown
Raiders Trade Down, Select Arizona Safety Treydan Stukes at No. 38 in 2026 NFL Draft
4/25/2026, 2:03:00 PM
Raiders Trade Down and Select Arizona Defensive Back Treydan Stukes
The Las Vegas Raiders traded down from the 36th to the 38th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft by sending picks No. 36 and No. 117 to the Houston Texans for picks No. 38 and No. 91. With the 38th selection, they chose Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes, a player the front office had targeted for the secondary.
Walk-On to All-Big 12: Stukes’ College Journey
Stukes walked on at Arizona in 2020, earned a scholarship in 2021 and served as a three-time captain. He finished as a First-Team All-Big 12 selection after 52 tackles, six pass break-ups and four interceptions in his final season. Over six years he logged 206 tackles, 26 pass deflections and seven interceptions in 52 games.
Physical Profile and Combine Metrics
He measures 6-1, 190-195 lb. At the combine he ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, posted a 38-inch vertical, a 10-ft-10-in broad jump and earned a 9.95 RAS. PFF gave him a 90.1 coverage grade, 90.4 overall grade and a 34.4 passer-rating allowed; his run-defense grade was 72.5 (314th among DBs).
Defensive Fit and Draft Capital
The Raiders finished 2025 ranked 25th in points allowed, 10th in passing touchdowns and recorded eight interceptions. Starting safeties Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao were on one-year deals; the team also added nickel corner Taron Johnson. Stukes’ ability to play corner, nickel and safety fits Rob Leonard’s scheme, which uses three-safety packages. The trade added a third-round pick (No. 91) for depth.
Official Statements & Responses
GM John Spytek called the move a “math equation” that let the Raiders keep their target while gaining draft capital. He said Stukes’ “versatility” and “football IQ” match the team’s short- and long-term goals. Assistant GM Brian Stark praised Stukes as “a very good communicator on the field” and a “late bloomer” ready to compete immediately.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics note Stukes will be 25 as a rookie, older than many peers, and point to his 2024 ACL tear, average frame and “flat-footed” tendencies that could affect tackling in man coverage. His low run-defense grade also signals a learning curve.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just kind of evaluate all of the offers as they come, and we felt like it was a great move for us,” — John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders general manager
- “He’s a very good communicator on the field,” — Brian Stark, Raiders assistant general manager
- “Stukes combines his infectious passion with hours of preparation that allow him to play fast,” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com analyst
- “Stukes is a versatile defensive back who can fill a variety of roles.” — Las Vegas Raiders draft statement
What’s Next
Stukes reports to training camp in July, where he will vie for a role in three-safety and nickel packages. The No. 91 third-rounder will be used later to add depth at receiver, line or edge, completing the Raiders’ Day 2 plan.
