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<p>With less than three weeks to go before the Las Vegas Raiders make their selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, this could signify the start of the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/nfl-draft/126254/las-vegas-raiders-nfl-draft-fernando-mendoza-pro-day-takeaways" target="_blank">Fernando Mendoza</a> era. However, the Raiders still have several positions to address, and <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/las-vegas-raiders-free-agency/125816/raiders-john-spytek-general-manager-free-agency" target="_blank">John Spytek</a> has nine additional draft picks (assuming no trades) to help fill these gaps. Therefore, this week’s focus is on the second round and beyond. Let's dive in!</p>
<p><strong>A:</strong> You’re right that the Raiders have significant needs heading into the draft. Fortunately, they find themselves in a situation where they can adopt a "best player available" strategy at pick 36. It’s entirely possible that a player filling one of those needed positions may be available, particularly if a projected first-rounder falls behind.</p>
<p>That said, don't be shocked if a skilled edge rusher or cornerback unexpectedly drops, leading Spytek to opt for someone higher on his board rather than focusing solely on an obvious need. Las Vegas is focused on acquiring young talent to aid in their rebuilding efforts this offseason, making the selection of a more talented player over merely filling a position in line with this strategy.</p>
<p>On that note, a nose tackle could indeed be the "best player available," given current draft trends. Players like <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/nfl-draft/119847/las-vegas-raiders-nfl-draft-kayden-mcdonald-ohio-state" target="_blank">Kayden McDonald from Ohio State</a> and <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/nfl-draft/120387/las-vegas-raiders-2026-nfl-draft-lee-hunter-texas-tech" target="_blank">Lee Hunter from Texas Tech</a> received first-round attention earlier, but their stock has since relaxed, potentially making them available at pick 36.</p>
<p>Additionally, <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/nfl-draft/125497/las-vegas-raiders-nfl-draft-christen-miller-film-breakdown" target="_blank">Christen Miller from Georgia</a> seems to be rising in popularity recently. It appears likely that there will be three safeties chosen in the first round: <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/nfl-draft/122957/las-vegas-raiders-nfl-draft-dillon-thieneman-oregon-film-breakdown" target="_blank">Caleb Downs from Ohio State</a>, <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/nfl-draft/125497/las-vegas-raiders-nfl-draft-christen-miller-film-breakdown" target="_blank">Dillon Theineman from Oregon</a>, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo. Furthermore, it’s common to see a rush on wide receivers in the first night of the draft. Therefore, if I had to prioritize among the three discussed positions, I'd select a nose tackle.</p>
<p><strong>Q:</strong> If you had to choose one, would you prefer Kayden McDonald, Denzel Boston, or Caleb Lomu at pick 36?</p>
<p><strong>A:</strong> Well, realistically, teams can only select one player at a time! Lomu presents an interesting option, as he seems poised between the first and second rounds, implying BPA value. This choice would also provide the Raiders with an immediate right tackle option and a potential long-term successor for Kolton Miller, who is set to turn 31 in October.</p>
<p>However, I’m not fully convinced about Lomu. Transitioning him from left to right may turn him into a project greater than what the Raiders can handle, especially with DJ Glaze and Charles Grant already in contention at right tackle. Thus, I would lean towards McDonald as it addresses an immediate need at nose tackle while ensuring value at that draft spot, indicating it’s not a reach.</p>
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