John Spytek’s second foray in the NFL Draft is later this month and in this go-around, the Las Vegas Raiders general manager is building a roster for a brand new head coach — Klint Kubiak.
With a creative offensive mind as the lead man, Spytek and his personnel department have 10 draft picks heading into the 2026 edition of the league’s annual event. And despite being at the onset of April, the Silver & Black’s assumed selection with the No. 1 overall pick has been known as the team stacked loss after
loss.
At this rate, if Las Vegas doesn’t select Fernando Mendoza, it would be quite the surprise.
Thus, my initial mock draft for the Kubiak era. It’s a three-round adventure as the 1.0 version of other mocks to come. And of course, it’s Mendoza predicted to be the Raiders’ top choice.
Round 1
No. 1 overall: Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
Let’s start with the double Ps: Precision and processing. This Hoosiers signal caller brings crisp passing and elite accuracy to the table that Kubiak loves in his quarterbacks alongside lightning-fast processing skills when the ball is snapped. Kubiak is a big proponent of rhythm-based offense and Mendoza has the skills to execute and remain on schedule.
With prototypical size at a legit 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza has the build and toughness to stare down the barrel of the gun, so to speak, to be a pure drop back passer to excel in Kubiak’s scheme. Mendoza’s durability in the pocket alongside to flick the ball all over the field will meld well in the Raiders new offense.
While he doesn’t boast the most live arm as a prospect — Mendoza’s velocity and zip aren’t going to be confused for Randy Johnson-type fast balls — and benefitted from a heavy RPO-based offense at Indiana, Kubiak is the right coach to not only get the Indiana product acclimated to the NFL game, but also one that can adapt his own offensive scheme to tailor to Mendoza’s strengths.
With free agent add Tyler Linderbaum on board to anchor the offensive line at center and with running back Ashton Jeanty and elite tight end Brock Bowers in Las Vegas, we’ll find out if Mendoza can match the hype.
Round 2
No. 36 overall: Kayden McDonald, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
At 6-foot-2 and 326 pounds, this particular Buckeyes defender is a plug-and-play type nose tackle the Raiders need for defensive coordinator Rob Leonard’s 3-4 defensive front. McDonald isn’t only massive, he’s the type that can truly anchor the middle as he can east pace, occupy blocks, and control the interior.
McDonald is the type of nose tackle that demands attention and frees up newly acquired linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean to do damage while also commanding the line that helps edge rushers Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye to operate freely, too.
McDonald was a true wrecking machine for Ohio State in 2025 racking up an impressive nine tackles for loss to go along with three sacks and 65 total tackles. While pass rush won’t be McDonald’s strong suite early in his career — he’s considered a one trick pony by using a powerful bull rush exclusively — Las Vegas has an immediate need for a domineering presence to manhandle opposing centers and guards and that’s McDonald.
No matter a power, gap, or even wide zone blocking scheme, McDonald’s motor runs hot and his fight and grit will matchup quite well with Crosby.
Round 3
No. 67 overall: Keionte Scott, Cornerback, Miami
Las Vegas needs more talent and depth in the secondary and this thumper truly epitomizes Miami’s Hurricanes namesake. Well built at 5-foot-11 and 193 pounds, Scott is a tone-setter on the field and in the locker room as he brings a physicality normally reserved for linebackers while having the mentality and leadership acumen to instill a winning culture behind the scenes.
Scott’s only season in Miami was an impressive one as the cornerback racked up 64 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
While the Raiders did well to trade for veteran nickel cornerback Taron Johnson (Buffalo Bills), Scott brings similar interior defender skillset that makes offenses rue the day they decided to enter his vicinity. But pigeon holing Scott as a slot-only defender would be misallocation of a valuable resource as he can play outside and even safety.
It’s been too long since the Silver & Black had a fearsome presence in the secondary and Scott’s physical style will remind many of the bone-jarring hits of Raiders’ past.
