Raiders Day 2 Mock Draft: Las Vegas can still get two starters with their next two picks if they play their cards right
The Las Vegas Raiders have the ability to grab two defensive starters in the 2026 NFL Draft on Day 2 alone if they take Kayden McDonald and AJ Haulcy.
The Las Vegas Raiders have two picks on Day 2. They pick at No. 36 and No. 67. However, that could change, as last season general manager John Spytek traded back on Day 2 twice.
Entering Day 2, there is a certain way the Raiders should go about this. The draft is deep at cornerback and somewhat at offensive lineman. It’s not deep at safety, but the safeties seem to be falling well past where many thought they would go. There’s only been one defensive tackle taken so far. The wide receiver class is decent, and they can get exactly what they need schematically in Round 4. So, on Day 2, I think they should certainly try to go DT and S. Now, whether it’s DT at 36 and S at 67, we will have to see, depending on how the board falls.
So, here is a Day 2 Mock Draft using A to Z Sports’ Mock Draft Simulator, updated for Day 2.
Raiders Day 2 Mock Draft
Round 2, Pick 36: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State Defensive tackle
Kayden McDonald was one of the best interior defensive tackles in college football last season. One of his biggest “weaknesses” is that others think he benefited from playing on what may be the best defense in football, with an elite defensive line. However, McDonald still made the plays needed to win.
Among all defensive tackles, he was fourth in tackles with 60, had the best PFF Run Defense Grade at 91.2, had the most tackles for loss/no gain at 16, and had 30 run stops, which was the most among DTs. McDonald can be an elite run defender in the NFL, and could fit that nose tackle mold perfectly that the Raiders need.
Round 3, Pick 67: AJ Haulcy, LSU Safety
There are three safeties on the Raiders’ roster, none of whom can cover, and none of whom have contracts for next season. Haulcy is one of the better cover safeties in the draft. He’s got great zone instincts and some tools to play press if he needs to. His one big issue is that he has struggled in run defense when coming down into the box. He has to improve his pursuit angles there, and his frame makes him a bit worse of a tackler than you’d like to have at the position.
