The Las Vegas Raiders welcomed their 2026 draft class to the practice facility this past weekend for a three-day rookie minicamp that ran from May 1 through May 3. For the first time, the coaching staff got an up-close look at the newest members of the Silver and Black--and there were plenty of storylines worth tracking.
Under the guidance of head coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek, the Raiders entered this draft with a clear mandate: inject talent at quarterback, running back, and the defensive line. Based on early returns from minicamp, it appears they may have done just that.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the weekend's workouts.
Fernando Mendoza's Arm Talent on Display
The most anticipated debut of the weekend belonged to quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders' first-round pick out of Cal. After a successful collegiate career where he showcased both mobility and arm strength, Mendoza wasted no time showing why the team used a premium pick on him.
According to Iain MacMillan of Sports Illustrated, Mendoza demonstrated impressive velocity and accuracy during drills, particularly on intermediate and deep routes. The rookie completed several deep corner routes and seam throws that drew audible praise from offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko.
It's still early--this was essentially a walkthrough environment without pads or a live pass rush--but the raw tools are clearly there. Mendoza's footwork looked crisp in drop-backs, and he showed a quick release that should translate well in Kubiak's West Coast-influenced scheme. The Raiders are banking on Mendoza developing into the long-term answer under center. If this weekend was any indication, the arm talent matches the hype.
However, consistency remains a work in progress. Mendoza's day three performance included a few off-target throws over the middle, and he appeared to rush his decision-making on a couple of option routes. That's normal for any rookie adjusting to the speed of the NFL game. The key takeaway is that the foundation is solid.
Ashton Jeanty's Explosiveness Jumps Out
The Raiders' third-round selection, running back Ashton Jeanty out of Boise State, also made an impression. Jeanty was expected to compete immediately for touches out of the backfield--and he looked every bit the part of a versatile playmaker this weekend.
Jeanty's burst through the hole stood out in inside-run drills. Even in shorts and a shell, his acceleration was noticeable. He also showed good hands out of the backfield, catching several checkdowns and turning them upfield with quick cuts. In a backfield that currently features Chris Collier, Dylan Laube, and a collection of other young backs, Jeanty might have the highest ceiling of the group.
MacMillan noted that Jeanty displayed natural receiving ability and pass protection recognition, two traits that will get him on the field early. Given the Raiders' offensive line--anchored by Kolton Miller and newly acquired center Tyler Linderbaum--Jeanty could have some room to operate from day one.
It's worth watching how the distribution of touches shakes out in training camp, but Jeanty's skill set fits the modern NFL: he can run between the tackles, catch passes, and create after contact.
Defensive Rookies Bring Physicality
While the offensive rookies grabbed headlines, the defensive side of the ball also saw promising performances. Second-round pick JJ Pegues, the versatile defensive tackle from Ole Miss, showed why the Raiders valued him. Pegues lined up at multiple spots along the defensive front, including nose tackle and three-technique, and he flashed impressive power at the point of attack.
Pegues' ability to two-gap and occupy blockers was evident in run-stuffing drills. The Raiders' defensive coordinator, Rob Leonard, has emphasized versatility among his interior linemen, and Pegues fits that mold. With Adam Butler and Thomas Booker IV already on the roster, Pegues adds a younger, high-motor presence that could rotate in immediately.
Another rookie to keep an eye on is cornerback Jermod McCoy, a late-round pick from Texas. McCoy showed good ball skills in one-on-one drills, breaking up two passes and staying sticky in coverage. The Raiders' secondary has added Taron Johnson and Eric Stokes in free agency, and Darien Porter is also in the mix. But McCoy's physical press technique and willingness to tackle suggest he could push for a roster spot as a depth corner.
Offensive Line Depth Takes Shape
The Raiders entered the draft needing to restock their offensive line depth, and they added several intriguing bodies over the weekend. Sixth-round pick Trey Zuhn III, who played tackle at Texas A&M, took reps at both guard and tackle during minicamp. He looked comfortable pulling in the run game and showed adequate anchor in pass sets.
Zuhn's versatility is key. With Kolton Miller and DJ Glaze holding down the tackle spots, and Linderbaum at center, the Raiders have starters locked in. But interior depth behind Jordan Meredith and Jackson Powers-Johnson was a concern. Zuhn, along with undrafted free agent Caleb Rogers, could push for a reserve role that brings positional flexibility.
It's also worth noting that seventh-round pick Charles Grant, a tackle from Georgia, struggled at times with speed rushers on the edge. That's not a surprise--Grant was known as a mauler in the run game but raw in pass protection. He'll need coaching, but his physical traits are undeniable.
Wide Receiver Competition Begins
The Raiders' receiver room is crowded but lacks a clear-cut No. 1. Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Brenden Rice, and Jack Bech are among the names vying for targets. Rookie Chase Roberts, a fourth-round pick, had a quiet but solid weekend, catching everything in his vicinity and running clean routes.
Roberts isn't the most explosive athlete, but he's reliable. In a scheme that values timing and precision, that could be enough to carve out a role. Meanwhile, E.J. Williams Jr. and Corey Rucker both had flashes, creating separation on in-breaking routes.
It's too early to declare any winners in this competition, but the depth should push everyone to improve during training camp.
Final Thoughts
Rookie minicamp is the NFL equivalent of the first day of school. The pads aren't on, the playbook is only partially installed, and everyone is running on adrenaline. Still, first impressions matter.
For the Raiders, the early returns on Fernando Mendoza and Ashton Jeanty are encouraging. The defensive rookies bring physicality, and the offensive line depth is trending in the right direction. The coaching staff, led by Klint Kubiak, will now head into OTAs with a clearer picture of what their young players can do.
It won't be until training camp--when veterans arrive and the hitting starts--that we truly know what this class is made of. But for one weekend in early May, the future of the Silver and Black looked bright.