As the Las Vegas Raiders embark on their rebuild, the spotlight shines on the 2026 NFL draft class, a group that holds the promise of shaping the team's future. While none of the ten drafted players are currently projected as starters, according to Ourlads' depth chart, the upcoming training camp presents an exciting opportunity for these rookies to make their mark.
In this article, we'll delve into the prospects of these young talents and explore which rookies have the best chance of starting in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.
QB Fernando Mendoza
Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders' rookie quarterback, enters training camp with a unique challenge. He's up against Kirk Cousins, but this competition isn't just about experience; it's about readiness. The coaches and even Cousins have emphasized that the best quarterback will play, regardless of tenure. If Mendoza can prove his mettle and demonstrate his NFL-readiness, he might just steal the starting role from Cousins.
S Treydan Stukes
Treydan Stukes, a second-round pick, finds himself in a position of uncertainty. His primary role at Arizona was as a nickelback, but with the Raiders' acquisition of Taron Johnson for slot coverage, Stukes' path to a starting role is less clear. His best bet lies in outperforming Isaiah Pola-Mao for the free safety position. Pola-Mao's struggles last year create an opening, and Stukes' traits suggest he could be a quality backend defender. The key question is whether he can adapt to the new position swiftly.
CB Jermod McCoy
Jermod McCoy, a fourth-round pick, faces a significant hurdle: his knee health. If he can regain his 2024 form and prove his fitness, he might just be the most talented cornerback on the Raiders' roster. However, this scenario is contingent on several variables, including his recovery and performance. McCoy could potentially beat out Darien Porter for a starting spot, but it's a delicate balance.
DT Brandon Cleveland
Beyond McCoy, the Raiders' draft picks in the later rounds face an uphill battle for immediate starting roles. Third-rounders Keyron Crawford and Trey Zuhn III find themselves behind several players on the depth chart, while Mike Washington Jr. was drafted to complement Ashton Jeanty. The path for Dalton Johnson to beat out Jeremy Chinn at free safety is murky, and Malik Benson's route to the starting lineup is unclear, given his similarity to Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor.
Ironically, the Raiders' last draft pick this offseason, Brandon Cleveland, has a more direct route to a starting position. The defensive tackle group is relatively weak, and Cleveland, known for his run-stopping abilities, has a decent chance to start in Week 1, despite being a later-round pick. It's a long shot, but with no clear starter at defensive tackle, Cleveland has a fighting chance.
Wildcard: CB Hezekiah Masses
Hezekiah Masses, a fifth-round corner, is an intriguing wildcard. While McCoy has the edge in talent, Masses reportedly impressed during OTAs and minicamp, even getting some reps with the first-team defense. His ball production at Cal last season, with five interceptions and 13 pass deflections, is a promising sign. If he can continue this form during training camp, he might just surprise some people and earn a starting role.
As the Raiders prepare for the new season, the potential of these rookies to make an immediate impact is an exciting prospect. While the starting lineup is far from set, the upcoming training camp will be a crucial period for these young players to prove their worth and secure their place in the team's future.
