The Raiders own the No. 1 pick. Everyone knows that.
But the real pressure point of their draft may come 35 selections later.

Raiders’ Second-Round Pick Could Decide the Rebuild — Here Are the Prospects Who Could Start Day 1

The Las Vegas Raiders are done waiting.

After a quiet 2025 draft class that barely saw the field, 2026 will be different. With 10 draft picks, a new head coach in Klint Kubiak, and a franchise reset underway, the Raiders can’t afford another class that develops from the sidelines.

And while the No. 1 overall pick — likely their future quarterback — will dominate headlines, the second-round selection may be just as important.

Because this roster needs immediate starters.

Not projects. Not redshirts.

Starters.

Why the Second Round Matters More Than Usual

The Raiders’ recent second-round history is mixed at best.

Jack Bech: Still unproven
Jackson Powers-Johnson: Promising long-term piece
Michael Mayer: Flashes potential
Tre’von Moehrig: No longer with the team

That’s not the type of impact a rebuilding team can rely on.

With glaring needs across both sides of the ball — especially in the trenches and at linebacker — Las Vegas needs its No. 36 pick to hit immediately.

And there are several prospects who could walk into Henderson and claim a starting job from Day 1.

EDGE Keldric Faulk — The Immediate Pressure Option

Depending on what the Raiders decide to do with Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce, edge rusher could quickly become a premium need.

Keldric Faulk has the physical profile that mirrors Tyree Wilson — length, size, and strength — but many evaluators believe he’s more advanced developmentally at this stage.

If Las Vegas is serious about reshaping its defensive front under coordinator Rob Leonard’s 3-4 scheme, Faulk could plug in immediately and help set the tone.

In a defense potentially undergoing schematic transition, you don’t draft an edge in Round 2 to rotate him slowly.

You draft him to play.

DL Lee Hunter — The Plug-and-Play Disruptor

Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter may not even last long in Round 2.

If he’s available when Las Vegas is on the clock, it will be hard to pass.

Hunter’s size and power profile make him an instant starter at defensive tackle — especially if Leonard emphasizes physical interior play in the new system.

The challenge? The Raiders have so many needs that defensive tackle might not be top priority.

But talent like Hunter doesn’t last long. And this team desperately needs cornerstone defensive pieces.

WR Omar Cooper — The Explosiveness Factor

The Raiders added receivers Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton last year, but neither made a significant impact under former coach Pete Carroll.

Now under Kubiak, development is expected — but is it enough?

Las Vegas needs explosiveness.

Indiana’s Omar Cooper brings vertical speed, playmaking ability, and familiarity with quarterback Fernando Mendoza — who could be the Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick.

That connection matters.

If Cooper is available in Round 2, pairing him with Mendoza immediately could accelerate the offense’s transformation.

And given the lack of production from last year’s rookie receivers, Cooper could realistically start from Week 1.

LB Anthony Hill — Built for the New 3-4

Perhaps the most intriguing Day 1 starter is Texas linebacker Anthony Hill.

At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Hill ranked among the top linebackers in athleticism and production at the Combine, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

He’s widely viewed as a three-down linebacker — exactly what a 3-4 defense demands.

The Raiders need speed. Range. Instincts.

Hill offers all three.

And if Las Vegas is serious about defensive identity, drafting a linebacker capable of anchoring the middle makes strategic sense.

He wouldn’t just compete for a job.

He’d likely win it.

Spytek’s Mission: Build Around the Vision

At the Combine, general manager John Spytek made it clear what this offseason is about.

“Our job is to give Klint as many good players as we can that fit his vision and his scheme,” Spytek said.

Translation?

Fit matters.

This isn’t about drafting names. It’s about drafting system builders.

The Raiders will likely secure their quarterback with the No. 1 pick. But the rebuild doesn’t stop there.

They must add talent across the defensive front, linebacker corps, and receiving room — immediately.

The Real Draft Turning Point

The No. 1 overall pick will shape the franchise narrative.

But the second-round pick?

That may determine whether this rebuild gains traction in 2026 — or stalls again.

Because if Las Vegas walks away from Round 2 with a true Day 1 starter, the tone changes.

And if they miss?

The questions will only get louder.

The Raiders can’t afford another quiet draft class.

Not this time.