Raiders fans have big expectations for Treydan Stukes in rookie season

HENDERSON, NEVADA - MAY 02: Treydan Stukes #31 of the Las Vegas Raiders attends a news conference after the team's rookie minicamp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on May 02, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) | Getty Images S

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What is the story about?

Several Las Vegas Raiders rookies are expected to playa lot and several may start a lot of gmes.

We recently asked our community members which rookie do they think will start the most games in 2026. The choices were No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, second-round pick, defensive back Treydan Stukes, third-round pick, offensive lineman Trey Zuhn, fourth-round pick, Jermod McCoy and fifth-round pick Zeke Masses.

Other rookies such as third-round pick, pass rusher Keyron Crawford, fourth-round

pick, running back Mike Washington and sixth-round pick, wide receiver Malik Benson all have a chance to play a lot but more be more role and rotational players.

Stukes easily won our poll. I get it. He is NFL-game ready and he can play safety and slot cornerback, so he is going to get a lot of playing time.

Still, I’m thinking Mendoza has a real chance to start as soon as Week 1.

Here are some of your responses:

ChrisVMD

It would be shocking if the answer isn’t Stukes.

Only wild card there (besides injuries) is if McCoy is good to go and lights it up.

TreDeLA

Health permitting, Stukes and McCoy will start every game, so them.

Morgul_Raider

Our highest pick with the clearest path to start is Treydan Stukes. Realistically I expect a rookie safety drafted in the early 2nd round to start. If week 1 he doesn’t beat out Polamao I’ll be disappointed but as long as he’s showing he’s a future (above average) starter by the end of the season I’ll be okay.

Nunchucks

We are likely going with some 3 safety sets this season..It will help the Defense, rather than using a slow LB in coverage which has been a thorn in the Raiders side for decades now…Stukes, Dalton Johnson and Chinn are going to take care of the backend!…Been hearing great things about the two Arizona safeties and Chinn can move around a lot!..McCoy is apparently the best DB on the roster, Masses is balling out, but want to see him kick ass in pads…Stokes had a great season last year, Taron Johnson is a huge upgrade at the nickel and Porter has promise and provides depth….LFG!