LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The NFL draft begins Thursday night, and the Las Vegas Raiders enter it positioned to add more talent after an aggressive free-agency period.
The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and the 10th selection in the first round, giving them multiple options to reshape their roster over the three-day event.
General manager John Spytek said the team will weigh trade possibilities once it is on the clock, but only if the value is right.
“If there’s a player that stands out that we feel it’s not worth losing, it’s not worth even picking up the phone, then we’ll just make the pick,” Spytek said. “But if it’s a player that we’re not as excited about, or there’s a group of players that we would love to pick from, and we can get value for that, then certainly open to listening.”
MORE ON FOX5: Ashton Jeanty leads youth football camp with free heart screenings
Spytek said the decision-making process often comes down to conviction and timing — and whether other teams call with an offer.
“Unless you’re super convinced that you’re making the pick, you kind of just sit there and wait for a little bit and see if your phone will ring,” Spytek said. “Sometimes, you can get really good trade offers that maybe you didn’t expect and other times your phone doesn’t ring, so then you just pick.”
The draft is a high-pressure stretch that teams spend a year or more preparing for, but the Raiders are set up to address key needs — including quarterback — with the top selection.
According to reports, Las Vegas is widely expected to use the No. 1 pick on quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Spytek also discussed the Raiders’ decision to add veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, calling him a valuable presence for the quarterback room and for offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system.
“He’s been able to do what he’s done at different stops along the way,” Spytek said. “There’s a high level of maturity there. There’s an understanding of Klint’s offense that I think will help Aidan O’Connell and any other quarterbacks that join the group. He’s won, he’s hard working, he’s detailed, he’s smart.”
The first round of the draft is Thursday night. Rounds 2 and 3 are Friday, and rounds 4 through 7 will be held Saturday.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
