The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2026 draft class delivered a mixed bag of results during a 38-17 defeat at the San Francisco 49ers, with defensive prospects emerging as the bright spots. Second-round pick Stukes anchored the defense, playing all 73 snaps to record his second interception of the season. While not flawless, his ability to make plays was evident. Meanwhile, fourth-round pick McCoy is finding his rhythm, logging 36 percent of snaps and delivering two crucial pass breakups late in the game, signaling a potential increase in his future workload.
Defensive standouts shine while offensive line struggles and Mendoza remains sidelined
Conversely, the offensive line and running back room showed signs of regression. A third-round pick made his second consecutive start but exited the game with a concussion in the third quarter, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Additionally, another fourth-round pick saw his workload drop significantly, playing only 34 percent of snaps compared to 60 percent in Week 8. This reduction in volume coincided with a sharp decline in production, as he managed just six carries for minus-3 yards, a stark contrast to his previous season-high 25 carries for 83 yards.
The most notable absence remains first-round pick Fernando Mendoza, who has yet to see meaningful action, limited to a mop-up role in Week 5. With eight of the ten 2026 draft picks currently on the 53-man roster, the Raiders must balance development with immediate competitiveness. As the team prepares to host the Seattle Seahawks, the focus will shift to whether defensive standouts can maintain their momentum and if the offensive line can stabilize before the injury report complicates the roster further.
Source: Yahoo Sports
