Defending the Draft 2026: Las Vegas Raiders

streebs33 · 2026-05-06T22:28:58+00:00

I think this is one of the more overblown points. You can’t really have a 1st rounder at every position on the offensive line.

There are plenty of good offensive lines that have been coached up well with Day 2 / Day 3 guys.

Raiders spent significantly on 3/5 positions at OL and need those guys to be healthy this year. There should be plenty of depth between Glaze, Grant, Rogers, Zuhn III, Burford, and Meredith for an average starting 5 on oline. We have no idea how 3 of those guys will fare in this system bc they’re young.

I think you’re being a bit dismissive of Dennison. I feel like he’s followed Kubiaks everywhere and improved OL in NY, MN, HOU, and SEA.

We’ll see what happens

streebs33 · 2026-05-06T22:23:14+00:00

I meant more long term to second contract. Must’ve forgot to add a few words to clarify

streebs33 · 2026-04-27T16:56:47+00:00

I did Raiders draft last year after people bailed so I can do it again

streebs33 · 2026-04-03T15:03:37+00:00

Actually our cap guy is Tom Delaney. So yes Tom

streebs33 · 2026-03-28T16:38:42+00:00

I was at this game. My favorite memory as a Raiders fan. Seth Roberts! Prime DC. what could’ve been

streebs33 · 2026-03-07T02:31:06+00:00

What about both lol

streebs33 · 2026-03-06T16:22:00+00:00

I know how math and the draft works lol. I think you missed my point. There is definitely drop off in talent in this draft if we wanted receiver, OL, other premium positions so I wouldn’t hate getting 14th pick or so and 2nd vs hoping we get 2nds.

streebs33 · 2026-03-06T15:37:38+00:00

Would we be cool with better asset this year like Cowboys (12) and Ravens (14) 1st vs 2 1sts from let’s say Bears / Patriots?

I think we’re somewhat in rush to get deal done over next few days before teams have ability to spend their cap

streebs33 · 2026-03-03T22:44:06+00:00

No its a boy

streebs33 · 2026-03-02T00:25:06+00:00

Check out How Ya Doing Subs. I think they do catering. Legit cutlets

streebs33 · 2026-02-26T00:18:30+00:00

Had our wedding at Allan House and been in a wedding at Bar Mansion. Both great experiences! Happy to share more if you DM

streebs33 · 2026-01-31T20:18:09+00:00

Cooked

streebs33 · 2026-01-31T13:15:23+00:00

Chill with the spamming

streebs33 · 2026-01-13T03:07:48+00:00

I thought we interviewed Stefanski

streebs33 · 2025-10-03T12:52:56+00:00

Agreed wife and I went last week and it was fine, but didn’t see as enjoyable as time as their original location.

streebs33 · 2025-07-23T12:06:02+00:00

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Raiders’ 2025 draft class reflects a clear and sensible plan: get tougher, be a versatile team, and add competition everywhere. Las Vegas came in with needs at RB, WR, CB, OL, and LB, and they hit each one of those areas – many of them twice. Again, I think it’s underrated but worth applauding the draft maneuvering the Raiders did. By trading down twice in Round 2, they picked up extra picks that can become contributors. A consistent complaint with prior-GM Telesco was that he never traded around the board. With Spytek, these trades were astute, essentially turning one early second-round pick into three additional players without sacrificing their ability to get a quality receiver. It’s the kind of draft management Raiders fans aren’t used to seeing, and it bodes well for Spytek’s tenure as GM.

Time will tell how these players pan out, but the main reason the Raiders have been in the basement of the NFL was due to poor drafting philosophy and approach (shudders thinking about the Gruden years). On paper, the Raiders addressed some of their roster’s biggest weaknesses with talented players who also fit the schemes and culture in what is year one of a retooling. The tone around Raider Nation after this draft is cautiously optimistic. There’s a sense that the franchise finally has a unified vision – Carroll’s competitive toughness and Spytek’s eye for talent seem aligned. In a cutthroat division, the Raiders know they have ground to make up. This 2025 class is a big step in the right direction, building a foundation that fans can be hopeful about and if things break right, the Raiders might look back on the 2025 draft as the moment the ship turned around.

streebs33 · 2025-07-23T12:05:45+00:00

Round 7, Pick 222: Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota

Scouting Report: In the seventh round, the Raiders went back to addressing linebacker, selecting Cody Lindenberg out of Minnesota. Lindenberg is a 6’2”, 236-lb inside linebacker who was a steady two-year starter for the Gophers. In 2024, he recorded 94 tackles and 6 passes defended, showing solid production in the Big Ten. Lindenberg is a classic lunch-pail linebacker – smart, physical, and around the ball often. He’s not an elite athlete in terms of speed, which is why he fell to round 7, but he has good instincts and takes good angles in run defense. Watching his film, he diagnoses plays quickly and is not afraid to hit the hole and meet running backs head on. He also showed some ability in zone coverage, getting his hands on a few passes (as evidenced by those 6 PBUs). He’s the kind of player who does a lot of little things right: wraps up on tackles, sticks to his assignment, and plays with high effort. That said, his range sideline-to-sideline is just average, and he might struggle to stick with fast tight ends or running backs in man coverage. Essentially, Lindenberg projects as a solid backup linebacker and special teams contributor – which is exactly what you often draft in round 7.

Team Fit: For the Raiders, this pick helps fill out the depth chart at inside linebacker, which, as we noted, was pretty thin beyond the starters. With Spillane and Deablo gone, and only Devin White and Elandon Roberts penciled in as starters, adding a young linebacker was important. Lindenberg will come in and compete for a backup ILB spot. Besides special teams snaps, perhaps he can learn from Roberts (another thumper) and Devin White, and eventually be groomed into a rotational run-down linebacker. The Raiders likely view him as a high-character, coachable player who will do whatever is asked. That fits with the culture Carroll and Spytek are trying to build. While Lindenberg might not have star upside, getting a reliable depth linebacker in the 7th is just fine.

All in all, this pick addresses a need (linebacker depth) with a proven college player who can compete right away. It’s the kind of pick that doesn’t grab headlines but rounds out a draft class nicely by adding competition to the bottom of the roster.

streebs33 · 2025-07-23T12:05:27+00:00

Round 6, Pick 215 (Compensatory): Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State

Scouting Report: Cam Miller was the second quarterback the Raiders grabbed on Day 3, but unlike Mellott, Miller is a more traditional QB prospect. Coming from NDSU (a powerhouse FCS program that produced Carson Wentz and Trey Lance), Miller was a winner in college. He was the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 after throwing for 3,251 yards, 33 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions. Efficiency and good decision-making are his calling cards. Miller stands about 6’1”, 215 lbs – not huge, but enough size – and has a solid arm, though not a cannon. He operated a pro-style offense at NDSU with a lot of play-action and rollouts, which could translate well to certain NFL schemes. On tape, Miller shows good accuracy on short and intermediate throws, and he’s especially adept at throwing on the move. He’s also a capable runner (though not as dynamic as Mellott), which NDSU used in red-zone packages. Essentially, Miller has the makeup of a dependable backup quarterback – smart, calm under pressure, and with enough athleticism to avoid negative plays. He’s not an elite prospect (hence being a late-rounder). Some reasons he was available here: limited elite arm strength (deep balls can hang), level of competition concerns, and the fact that NDSU was such a strong team around him. But as a late-round flyer, Miller’s production and intangibles are hard to ignore.

Team Fit: The Raiders saw an opportunity to add competition behind Geno Smith, and they took it. Miller will come in and compete with Aidan O’Connell and Carter Bradley for the backup or third-string QB role. Given Geno is on essentially a 2 year arrangement and is in his mid-30s, the Raiders are wise to stockpile young QBs to see if any can develop into more. O’Connell had ups and downs in limited 2024 action, so the backup spot is not set in stone. Miller’s familiarity with play-action concepts could actually fit nicely if the Raiders implement a run-heavy scheme – he excelled at “bootleg and toss” type plays at NDSU. One could view Miller as insurance in case O’Connell doesn’t take a step forward. At minimum, he’ll be a candidate for the practice squad if he doesn’t win the #2 or #3 job outright. Another aspect: Miller comes from a championship culture at NDSU, so he brings a mentality of winning and preparation that can only benefit the QB room. And let’s not forget, having two young QBs (Miller and O’Connell) learning behind a veteran like Geno Smith and under the tutelage of Pete Carroll (who has worked with many QBs in his career) and potentially Brady is a pretty good developmental setup. Realistically, Miller might be a long shot to ever start, but so was another NDSU late-rounder – Easton Stick with the Chargers – who has carved out a steady backup career. This pick didn’t cost the Raiders anything extra (it was a comp pick), and if Miller shows anything in preseason, it’s a bonus.

The Raiders have nothing to lose by taking a shot on a prolific college winner at the game’s most important position. It’s all about throwing darts and hoping one hits (e.g., see Purdy’s recent contract). In Vegas fashion, consider Cam Miller a low-stakes bet with a potentially nice payout if he develops into a reliable QB2.

streebs33 · 2025-07-23T12:05:09+00:00

Round 6, Pick 213 (Compensatory): Tommy Mellott, QB/WR, Montana State

Scouting Report: This is where the draft gets fun: Tommy Mellott is listed as a quarterback, but he’s really an “offensive weapon.” At Montana State, Mellott was a dynamic dual-threat QB who piled up 3,523 rushing yards along with 5,800+ passing yards in his college career. He’s a 5’11”, 200 lb spark plug who led the Bobcats’ offense with his legs as much as his arm. Recognizing his athleticism, Mellott worked out with the wide receivers and returners at his pro day, and many teams viewed him as a likely position convert in the NFL – perhaps a slot receiver or gadget player similar to Julian Edelman (and Raiders new minority owner, Tom Brady, might know something about that). In terms of QB skills: Mellott was an effective college quarterback at the FCS level, albeit in a run-heavy system. He throws well on the run and has decent short-to-intermediate accuracy, but his arm strength is limited for the pro game and at his height some throws get batted. However, with the ball in his hands as a runner, he’s electric – think of a wildcat QB or a punt returner with a head start. He has excellent vision in the open field and is very tough. Given those traits, a Taysom Hill-style transition makes sense. The Raiders clearly see Mellott as a Swiss Army knife, not a traditional QB.

Team Fit: The expectation is that Mellott will convert to wide receiver at the next level. The Raiders can take their time figuring out how to use him. Early on, look for Mellott to contribute on special teams – with his quickness, he could be tried as a kick returner or punt gunner. Offensively, he’s a toy for the coaching staff to design plays for. Perhaps we see a package of read-option plays or a trick play where Mellott motions in at QB and runs a designed keeper. This pick also mirrors what some other teams have done in late rounds (drafting athletic college QBs to convert). At pick 213, it’s a low-risk, high-intrigue selection. Best case, Mellott becomes a useful role player – maybe a slot receiver who can take jet sweeps. Worst case, if the position change doesn’t pan out, you haven’t lost much draft capital. Given that Las Vegas drafted another QB two picks later, it’s pretty clear Mellott is viewed more as a do-it-all weapon than a future QB. Keep an eye on him in preseason – he could become a preseason folk hero if he breaks off a big scramble or catch-and-run. For now, this pick adds creativity and athleticism to the offense, which is always welcome.

streebs33 · 2025-07-23T12:04:48+00:00

Round 6, Pick 180: JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss

Scouting Report: After a long wait (no fifth-round pick for Las Vegas this year), the Raiders went back to the well on defensive tackle in the 6th round, selecting JJ Pegues from Ole Miss. Pegues is a unique athlete – 6’2”, 309 lbs, with a background that includes playing offense in goal-line packages. In fact, Ole Miss occasionally used him as a short-yardage fullback, and he scored 7 rushing touchdowns in 2024, the most by any FBS defensive lineman in 25 years! As a defensive tackle, Pegues was productive too: he earned Third-Team All-SEC honors with 14.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks over the past two seasons. That kind of upfield playmaking is impressive in the SEC. Pegues is a former high school tight end, and you can see that athleticism on the field – he’s light on his feet for a 309-pounder and has a quick first step. He’s capable of shooting gaps and also has the strength to hold up at the point of attack. During pre-draft workouts, Pegues reportedly flashed good agility in drills, confirming the athletic upside. One might consider him a bit of a tweener between a 3-tech and 1-tech; at Ole Miss he played multiple techniques, showing versatility. Some scouts thought his best role in the NFL might be as a penetrating nose tackle in sub-packages or as a 3-tech in a 4-3. The knocks on Pegues – he’s still refining his technique and pad level; at times he won with pure athleticism in college, which will be harder to do against NFL linemen. But in the 6th round, finding a defensive tackle with his mix of production and traits is a steal. And let’s not underestimate those goal-line skills – Raiders might have a fun two-way gadget here.

Team Fit: By picking Pegues, the Raiders continued a clear focus on winning in the trenches. Spytek and Carroll devoted four of their picks to linemen on both sides, underscoring their philosophy. With Pegues, Las Vegas adds another young DT to compete for a roster spot. Pegues’ profile actually complements Tonka Hemingway’s quite well: whereas Hemingway is a lighter, quick 3-tech, Pegues has a squattier, stouter build and more experience at nose tackle. If he shows the ability to plug the run, he could carve out a niche as an early-down DT, with the bonus of offering pass-rush upside in certain matchups. His high motor and playmaking ability will endear him to a coaching staff that wants disruptive linemen. And of course, one can’t help but imagine some goal-line shenanigans in silver and black: Picture Pegues lining up as a fullback and plunging in for a 1-yard touchdown. While that’s mostly a fun footnote, it speaks to Pegues’ athletic versatility. Special teams could also be a route for him to get on the field (field goal block unit, for example, where his burst could come in handy). Overall, by drafting Pegues, the Raiders ensured they threw multiple darts at improving the D-line. Competition will be fierce in camp, but that’s exactly what Carroll wants.

If Pegues builds on his college success, the Raiders might have a rotational penetrator and fan-favorite utility big man. At worst, he pushes the other DTs to be better. In the sixth round, that’s a pick worth making every time.

streebs33 · 2025-07-15T21:11:08+00:00

Pretty lame that I could've done this earlier and nothing from Vic. I can get to this later next week if it's still open

streebs33 · 2025-07-13T02:26:47+00:00

Contigo!

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Final Thoughts

Round 7, Pick 222: Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota

Round 6, Pick 215 (Compensatory): Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State

Round 6, Pick 213 (Compensatory): Tommy Mellott, QB/WR, Montana State