Raiders’ Potential Draft Plan + Why Denzel Boston Fits

RAIDERS 2ND ROUND DEEP DIVE

After the Raiders take Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, the next pick that could really shape this draft is No. 36 overall. This week on the podcast, Dalton Wasserman joined me to break down every realistic Round 2 scenario for Las Vegas — from wide receiver and defensive tackle to offensive tackle, corner, or even a trade back into Round 1. If you’re trying to figure out what John Spytek and Klint Kubiak may actually do once Day 2 begins, this episode is for you.

HOW I THINK THE RAIDERS WILL ATTACK THE DRAFT

We’re officially in that time of year where everyone has a mock draft, but if you really want to understand what the Raiders might do, you’ve got to think round by round.

John Spytek and Klint Kubiak have given us enough clues through free agency, Top 30 visits, combine meetings, and public comments to start piecing together a likely plan.

Here’s how I think they’ll try to play the board:

Round 1

• No surprises here, all signs continue to point toward Fernando Mendoza being the pick.

• Once that happens, the rest of the draft becomes about building around him.

Round 2

This feels like the most fascinating pick of the draft.

• Don’t rule out a trade up if a player they love starts to slide.

• If Kayden McDonald falls, I could absolutely see them making a move.

• If they stay put, my gut says defensive tackle or wide receiver.

Names that make sense:

• Christen Miller – disruptive, versatile interior presence with upside

• Denzel Boston – true X receiver size and red-zone ability

• If a top tackle like Max Iheanachor makes it there or if Caleb Lomu is there, they may be hard to pass up. I also wouldn’t rule out Emmanuel Pregnon if he’s there either. He’s the best run blocking OL in the draft and we all know Kubiak wants to run the ball. Imagine an o-line with Linerbaum flanked by JPJ and Pregnon… SHEESH.

Round 3

This feels like a sweet spot for the secondary or receiver.

• Safety could be firmly in play here.

• Kamari Ramsey feels like a target because of his versatility and coverage ability as a deep safety.

• If they wait on receiver early, this could be the range for a bigger X-type wideout.

Names to watch:

• Kamari Ramsey

• Chris Bell

• Ted Hurst

Round 4

With three fourth-round picks, this is where depth and value could really kick in.

• Safety if they haven’t addressed it yet

• Cornerback depth

• Developmental trench help

Names to watch:

• Bud Clark

• Genesis Smith

• Chris Johnson

• Daylen Everette

Day 3 (Rounds 5-7)

This feels like where they attack role players, traits, and special teams value.

Potential targets:

• RB2 behind Ashton Jeanty

• Linebacker depth

• Developmental edge rusher

• More secondary competition

Names to know:

• Kaelon Black – physical runner with pass-pro value

• Chris McClellan — legit size, scheme versatility (can play nose to 5-tech), and a productive final season.

• Jack Dingle – athletic special teams profile

• Mitchell Melton – versatile edge with upside

Want the Full Breakdown?

If you want the deeper version of this — including the clues Spytek and Kubiak already gave us this offseason, why Pick 36 is so important, and how the Raiders may play the board from Round 1 through Day 3 — check out our latest podcast linked below.

REQUIRED READING

The Raiders haven’t hidden the fact that they need to hit safety hard, so with that in mind, we’re featuring an article from our buddy Ted Nguyen over at The Athletic. Ted took a deep dive into this year’s safety class, breaking prospects into three buckets and explaining what each guy brings to the table and how they translate to a modern NFL defense. It’s a great way to get familiar with a position the Raiders will certainly address in the draft.

MISS ANYTHING?

Catch up on some of our recent stories:

WHY BOSTON OVER OTHER WRs?

If Denzel Boston is sitting there when the Raiders come on the clock at No. 36, and they chose to go receiver, he should be the pick. The Raiders still need a true X wideout, and Boston checks every box. At 6-foot-4, 212 pounds, he brings the size, catch radius, and physicality this room is missing. He’s a boundary target who can win one-on-one, dominate at the catch point, and give Las Vegas a real red-zone mismatch after totaling 23 touchdowns in two seasons as a starter at Washington.

More importantly, he fits perfectly with Fernando Mendoza. Boston wins on back-shoulders, fades, slants, and vertical shots — all throws Mendoza has shown he’s comfortable making when he trusts his guy to go win. Dalton Wasserman summed it up best on the podcast, essentially saying the Raiders have speed pieces, but they still need someone defenses fear in man coverage. Boston is that dude. If Vegas wants to give Mendoza a reliable outside target who grows with him long term, Boston may be the cleanest fit on the board. For Dalton’s full explanation on what Denzel would bring to the Raiders, check out the clip from our podcast linked above.

FANSHOTZ FRIDAY

“FanShotz Friday”

By now, you have seen the phenomenal photos we’ve been using in many of our newsletters. They’re some of the best shots you’ll find of your favorite team, captured through the lens of our friend Arnie Bazemore of Fanshotz.com. Every Friday, we’ll feature Arnie’s favorite Raiders shot of the week that he captures at practice or on game day.

This week, we’re featuring a shot Arnie snagged of Ashton Jeanty scoring his first touchdown at Allegiant Stadium. I know, it was preseason so it doesn’t really count but it was still a cool moment, and Arnie crushed it with this one, too. I’m featuring Jeanty becasue he was obviously the Raiders’ top pick last year and with the draft now less than a week away, I found myself wondering when Mendoza’s first touchdown will come at Allegiant Stadium. Regular season or not, that will be a fun moment.

Check out Arnie’s work at his site linked above and reach out if you’re interested in working with him. He’s a great guy and has been so supportive of me over the years when I was at NBC here in Vegas, and he’s come along for the ride with Silver & Black Sports Network, too.

WHAT’S NEXT?

We’ll catch you guys next week. We’re doing our final mock draft on Tuesday to get you set for the real thing on Thursday night. That episode drops Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. PT.

I’m going to approach this draft wearing my Spytek/Kubiak hat, trying to build it exactly the way I think they would. So enjoy your weekend, and keep an eye out for that next week.

Catch ya next time,