The Las Vegas Raiders secure a versatile defensive back and a promising receiver in this latest Day 2 mock draft by ESPN's Matt Miller.
It was no surprise at all that the Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana Hoosiers quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza first overall.
This was the expected pick for a long time, essentially right after the 2025 NFL season came to an end, so nobody was surprised.
The rest of Round 1 had some surprises, including the Tennessee Titans stunning the world by taking Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4 and the Los Angeles Rams grabbing Alabama QB Ty Simpson early in Round 1.
Going into Round 2, the Raiders have an early pick and an early pick in Round 3 with some chances to add more premier playmakers to the roster.
ESPN's Matt Miller had a new Day 2 mock draft released on Friday, and here's the Raiders' projections.
Round 2, No. 36 overall: Arizona safety Treydan Stukes
If Stukes is still there, the Raiders probably don't even hesitate, although they could trade down with a flurry of teams reportedly trying to move up in Round 2.
Stukes is a first-round talent, but the Raiders need a safety, and Stukes should be able to start from Day 1.
"Stukes is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft, and teams fell in love with his 4.33 speed in the predraft process and the fact that he was a three-time team captain. The Raiders' need at safety was almost as big as the need at quarterback," Miller wrote.
Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is another option, but in this mock draft, he goes with the first pick of the second round to the San Francisco 49ers.
Another choice could be Washington WR Denzel Boston, but Miller has Boston going right before the Raiders to the Buffalo Bills at No. 35.
Round 3, No. 67 overall: Louisville WR Chris Bell
Here is the WR pick, and it is a good one. Bell has been mocked to the Raiders time and time again in Round 3, and if it weren't for an ACL injury, he probably would be a Round 2 pick, or even earlier.
Bell would instantly command a lot of targets from Mendoza, and this could be a steal of the draft when we look back in a couple years, as long as Bell stays healthy.
The Raiders need to add a WR, so if they don't do it in Round 2, Round 3 figures to be the safest bet, and there are plenty of options available going into the second day of the draft.