The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a pivotal 2026 season under head coach Klint Kubiak, and much of the team's trajectory hinges on how the 2025 draft class has developed. With general manager John Spytek and his staff reshaping the roster through free agency, trades, and the draft, the players selected last year now find themselves at a crossroads. Some are locked into starting roles, others are fighting for roster spots, and a few face make-or-break campaigns.
This article evaluates where last year's draft picks stand heading into 2026 and how they fit into the broader competition, with a particular focus on the offensive line -- a unit that could see significant turnover.
The Draft Class Snapshot
The Raiders entered the 2025 draft needing impact players at multiple positions. While the team has since added veterans like quarterback Kirk Cousins and linebacker Nakobe Dean, the 2025 picks represent the long-term vision. Here's a position-by-position look at how they're stacking up.
Offensive Line: The Biggest Battleground
The offensive line was a priority in 2025 and remains one of the most competitive position groups on the roster. The Raiders selected tackle DJ Glaze in the third round, but his path to starting time is anything but clear.
Glaze enters 2026 behind established veterans Kolton Miller and Charles Grant at offensive tackle. Miller remains the anchor on the left side, while Grant earned a starting role last season. The team also added Niklas Henning in free agency, and Laki Tasi has switched positions, further thickening the competition. Glaze will likely compete with Dalton Wagner and Isaiah Jatta for a reserve tackle spot, but the coaching staff has praised his versatility, which could earn him a role as a swing tackle.
At center, rookie Trey Zuhn III faces a similar challenge. The Raiders already have Tyler Linderbaum entrenched as the starter and Jordan Meredith as a capable backup. Will Putnam also returns. Zuhn's best path to the roster may be as a developmental interior lineman who can back up both center and guard positions.
The guard position is equally crowded. Jackson Powers-Johnson, Spencer Burford, and Atonio Mafi are all expected to compete for starting roles. Caleb Rogers and Justin Pickett provide depth. For the 2025 offensive line draft picks, making the 53-man roster will require standing out in training camp and on special teams.
Defensive Line: Young Pass Rushers on the Rise
The Raiders invested in the defensive line last year, selecting defensive end Jahfari Harvey and defensive tackle Brodric Martin-Rhodes. Both have shown flashes but need consistent production to secure their spots.
Harvey plays behind an established edge group featuring Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, and Kwity Paye. The team also brought in Keyron Crawford and Cian Slone, meaning Harvey must prove he can contribute as a rotational pass rusher. His speed off the edge has stood out in OTAs, but he needs to win with technique against NFL-caliber tackles.
Martin-Rhodes, meanwhile, is part of a deep interior rotation that includes Thomas Booker IV, Adam Butler, Tonka Hemingway, and Jonah Laulu. The Raiders also added JJ Pegues and Brandon Cleveland in free agency. Martin-Rhodes will need to show he can hold up against the run and provide interior push. The competition for roster spots along the defensive line is fierce, and his making the team is far from guaranteed.
Linebacker and Secondary: Depth and Development
At linebacker, the Raiders selected Xavian Sorey Jr. He enters a room headlined by Nakobe Dean and Tommy Eichenberg, with Brennan Jackson, Cody Lindenberg, and Segun Olubi also in the mix. Sorey's athleticism gives him an edge in coverage, but he must prove he can handle run fits and special teams duties. The Raiders' linebacker corps is more talented than a year ago, which raises the bar for the rookie.
In the secondary, cornerback Jermod McCoy and safety Treydan Stukes were drafted to provide depth. The cornerback group is led by Taron Johnson, Darien Porter, Decamerion Richardson, and Eric Stokes. McCoy will compete with Chigozie Anusiem, Greedy Vance, Hezekiah Masses, and Caleb Offord for a roster spot. Stukes, meanwhile, joins a safety room featuring Jeremy Chinn, Terrell Edmunds, Tristin McCollum, and Isaiah Pola-Mao. Special teams contributions will be critical for both.
Quarterback and Skill Positions: The Long View
The Raiders added quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the 2025 draft as a developmental prospect. With Kirk Cousins, Aidan O'Connell, and Jacob Clark already on the roster, Mendoza's path to playing time is limited. He's expected to spend the season on the practice squad or as the emergency third quarterback, learning the system under offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko.
At running back, Ashton Jeanty was selected in the first round and has already established himself as a dynamic playmaker. He's backed up by Chris Collier, Dylan Laube, Mike Washington Jr., and Roman Hemby. Jeanty's role is secure, but the competition for depth spots behind him will be intense.
Wide receiver Jack Bech was a mid-round pick last year. He enters a crowded room featuring Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Phillip Dorsett II, Brenden Rice, and others. Bech's physicality and route-running have impressed, but he'll need to carve out a role in the slot or on special teams to earn consistent snaps.
Tight end Brock Bowers remains the star of the room, with Michael Mayer, Albert Okwuegbunam Jr., and Ian Thomas providing depth. The Raiders also have Carter Runyon and Patrick Gurd on the roster. For the rookie tight ends, it's about finding a niche as a blocker or in two-tight end sets.
Offensive Line Competition: The Full Picture
The most intriguing battle for the 2026 Raiders might be along the offensive line. The team has stockpiled options at every position, creating genuine competition.
Tackle: Kolton Miller is the clear starter on the left. Charles Grant returns on the right, but DJ Glaze, Niklas Henning, and Laki Tasi are pushing for reps. Dalton Wagner, Isaiah Jatta, and Kamar Missouri provide depth. The Raiders value versatility, so players who can swing between tackle and guard will have an edge.
Guard: Jackson Powers-Johnson and Spencer Burford are the favorites to start, but Atonio Mafi, Caleb Rogers, and Justin Pickett are also in the mix. The coaching staff has emphasized a need for physicality in the run game, which could favor the bigger guards like Mafi and Pickett.
Center: Tyler Linderbaum is the entrenched starter. Jordan Meredith and Will Putnam are capable backups. Trey Zuhn III will need an impressive camp to unseat either.
The Raiders' offensive line coach will have his work cut out sorting this group. The team's run game, featuring Ashton Jeanty, will benefit from a cohesive unit, and protecting 36-year-old Kirk Cousins is paramount. Expect the Raiders to keep 9-10 offensive linemen on the final roster, meaning several talented players will be on the outside looking in.
What It All Means
The 2025 draft class is a mix of immediate contributors and developmental projects. Ashton Jeanty looks like a star, and players like DJ Glaze and Jahfari Harvey are competing for significant roles. But for others -- particularly the later-round picks -- the 2026 season is about survival.
The Raiders have improved their roster depth significantly under Spytek. That's great for the team's long-term health, but it means the margin for error is thinner for young players. A strong training camp performance could mean the difference between a roster spot and a practice squad assignment.
As training camp approaches, keep an eye on the offensive line battles and the development of the defensive linemen. If the 2025 rookies can step up, the Raiders could have the depth needed to compete in a tough AFC West. If not, the roster churn will continue.
One thing is certain: competition in Las Vegas is real, and no job is guaranteed.