The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Las Vegas Raiders are now locked in on Day 2 with a golden opportunity at pick No. 36 overall. After what felt like an eternity of waiting through 32 selections on Thursday night, general manager John Spytek and the Raiders' war room are now faced with a critical decision: do they stay put and grab a falling talent, or consider moving up or down the board to maximize value?
The good news? This is a deep draft class, and the board is loaded with players who could have easily gone in Round 1. The Raiders, coming off a 2025 season that saw them finish 7-10 and miss the playoffs, have clear needs at multiple positions: wide receiver, cornerback, offensive line depth, and potentially an edge rusher or linebacker.
Here are the 10 best players still available for Las Vegas at pick 36, with analysis on fit, upside, and why they could be wearing the Silver and Black by Friday night.
1. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
If the Raiders didn't snag a receiver in Round 1 -- and they didn't, opting for another position -- Boston is the crown jewel of Day 2. The Washington wideout is a polished route runner with exceptional hands and a 6-foot-3 frame that makes him a mismatch on the outside. He ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at the combine and posted a 38-inch vertical, showing the explosiveness to complement his size.
Per sources, the Raiders have been heavily linked to Boston throughout the pre-draft process, and he was projected by many as a late-first-round pick. His fall to the second round could be Las Vegas' gain. With Jakobi Meyers entering the final year of his deal and Tre Tucker still developing as a deep threat, Boston could step in immediately as a WR2 or even push for WR1 reps.
2. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Cornerback is arguably the Raiders' biggest need after the first round. Revel is a long, athletic boundary corner who wins with physicality at the line of scrimmage and has the ball skills to create turnovers. He grabbed six interceptions over his final two collegiate seasons and allowed a completion rate under 50% in press coverage.
The Raiders' defensive backs coach has reportedly been pushing for a cornerback who can play man coverage on an island, and Revel fits that mold perfectly. He's not the fastest prospect in the class -- his 4.55 40-yard dash raised some eyebrows -- but his instincts and closing burst more than make up for it. At 6-foot-2 with 33-inch arms, he has the length to disrupt passes at the catch point.
3. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Yes, a defensive tackle. And yes, the Raiders already have Christian Wilkins and John Jenkins on the roster. But Graham is the kind of disruptive interior presence who can elevate a defensive line from good to special. He was a wrecking ball for the Wolverines, posting 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2025 while commanding double teams on nearly every snap.
The Raiders ranked 22nd in run defense last season, and interior pressure was inconsistent when Wilkins was off the field. Graham would provide a boost as a rotational three-technique with the potential to take over as a starter by midseason. His motor and technique are NFL-ready, and he's the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.
4. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Safety may not be the most glaring hole on the Raiders' roster, but Starks is the type of impact player you don't pass on. He's a versatile defensive back who can play single-high, in the box, or match up with tight ends in coverage. Over three seasons at Georgia, Starks logged eight interceptions and 18 pass breakups, showing the range and ball-hawking instincts that translate immediately to the NFL.
Tre'von Moehrig is a free agent after this season, and Marcus Epps is solid but not a difference-maker. Starks would give the Raiders a long-term answer at the position and allow defensive coordinator Rob Leonard to get more creative with his sub-packages.
5. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
If Boston is gone, Egbuka is the next best thing. The Ohio State product is an explosive slot receiver who thrived in a crowded wide receiver room alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in previous years. In 2025, he finally got his chance to be the alpha, catching 85 passes for 1,179 yards and nine touchdowns.
Egbuka's quickness and ability to create after the catch would be a perfect fit in the Raiders' offense, which needs a reliable chain-mover over the middle. He's not the tallest option at 6-foot, but his route-running polish and competitive toughness make him a safe bet to produce as a rookie.
6. Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
The Raiders have Maxx Crosby -- a superstar who commands double teams on every snap -- but the opposite edge spot remains a question mark. Malcolm Koonce showed flashes in 2024 but missed most of 2025 with a knee injury, and Janarius Robinson is still unproven. Payton is a long, bendy pass rusher who racked up 11 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 2025 for the Seminoles.
At 6-foot-5 and 254 pounds, Payton has the frame to hold up against the run and the speed-to-power conversion to win as a pass rusher. He'd benefit immensely from playing opposite Crosby, who draws so much attention. The defensive coordinator would love having two legit edge threats to work with.
7. Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
Michael Mayer is entrenched as the Raiders' starting tight end, but the team needs a more dynamic pass-catching option at the position. Sanders is a matchup nightmare at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, with the athleticism of a big wide receiver. He caught 67 passes for 856 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, showing the ability to split out wide and win one-on-one against safeties and linebackers.
The Raiders' offense under offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko could use more versatility in the passing game, and Sanders would allow the team to run more 12 personnel -- two tight ends -- without sacrificing explosiveness. He's also a willing blocker who improved each season at Texas.
8. Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Offensive line is a sneaky need for the Raiders. Left tackle Kolton Miller is a solid starter, but right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor is 31 and coming off an inconsistent season. Suamataia is a talented, raw prospect with elite physical tools. He has quick feet, long arms, and the ability to mirror speed rushers on the edge.
The offensive line coach would likely need to refine Suamataia's hand placement and consistency, but the upside is immense. He could compete for a starting job at right tackle from Day 1 or serve as the swing tackle and heir apparent. Protecting whoever is under center -- whether it's Aidan O'Connell or a veteran addition -- is paramount for the Raiders in 2026.
9. Josh Proctor, S, Ohio State
Proctor may not have the buzz of Starks, but he's a hard-hitting safety with the versatility to play in the box and cover tight ends. He recorded four interceptions and 60 tackles in 2025, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. He's a tone-setter who would bring a physical edge to the Raiders' secondary.
While safety isn't the most desperate need, Proctor's value at pick 36 is strong, especially if the top receivers and corners are gone. He could immediately contribute on special teams while pushing for a starting role by midseason.
10. Brandon Dorlus, DT/EDGE, Oregon
Dorlus is the kind of versatile, disruptive lineman that defensive coordinators love. He can line up at defensive end in a 3-4 scheme or kick inside to tackle in nickel packages. He posted 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 2025, using his quick first step and long arms to create chaos.
The Raiders' defensive line excels when Crosby is the focal point, but adding a player like Dorlus would give defensive coordinator Rob Leonard someone who can win from multiple alignments. At pick 36, Dorlus offers high-floor value and scheme versatility.
What Should the Raiders Do?
If the board falls as projected, the Raiders should prioritize Denzel Boston or Shavon Revel Jr. at pick 36. Both address premium positions of need, and both have first-round talent that slipped due to draft-night circumstances. If both are gone, Mason Graham or Emeka Egbuka would be excellent consolation prizes.
The Raiders are not in a position to reach for need. This is a team still building its foundation, and adding the best player available -- especially at a position of value -- is the smart play. John Spytek has shown a willingness to be aggressive in the draft, but with a deep Day 2 class, staying patient and letting the board come to them might yield the best results.
The second round is where championship teams are built. The Raiders have a chance to add a starter, a contributor, and potentially a star at pick 36. All eyes will be on the war room in Henderson as the clock ticks down on Day 2.
Stay tuned. This is shaping up to be a pivotal night for the future of Las Vegas Raiders football.
