Fernando Mendoza is doing all he can at OTAs to help a former teammate make the Las Vegas Raiders roster
The Las Vegas Raiders will have some tough decisions to make on the back end of the roster.
In 2026, the Las Vegas Raiders roster will look very different from last season’s three-win team. This roster is far more competitive from top to bottom. Some solid football players won’t make it, while others will barely secure a spot.
One player who could be on the bubble is former Indiana wide receiver EJ Williams, who played with Fernando Mendoza last season. Now, Mendoza is at OTAs in the second week of practices, making some impressive plays—especially some strong throws to Williams.
According to Sam Warren of The Athletic, Mendoza found Williams on a precise crossing route during one of the final throws of the team period on Thursday—the only practice available to media last week.
Williams has elite speed and separates well downfield. At Indiana’s Pro Day this offseason, he and Mendoza showed good downfield chemistry. If that connection continues through OTAs, Minicamp, and Training Camp, Williams could earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
But he will have to beat out some very good players.
Raiders wide receiver room seems set outside of the backend
A major X-factor is the wide receiver room. The Raiders always wanted to see what Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton could do in a real offensive system, which is why they waited until the sixth round to draft Malik Benson.
The top four receivers are set. Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker are speedy, versatile options who can play slot or go deep. Bech is a big-body receiver who beats zone coverage, while Thornton is another big receiver who excels downfield and can beat man press with speed.
The next two wide receiver spots, if the team keeps six (some teams keep only five), are harder to predict. The simplest guess is Dareke Young, a former Seahawk signed this offseason, and Benson, this year’s draft pick. Still, competition is stiff. Any of the talented UDFA receivers could seize a spot.
Phillip Dorsett and Shedrick Jackson returned from last season, and UDFA receivers EJ Williams, Chase Roberts, Jonathan Brady, and Corey Rucker are talented contenders. The Raiders must make tough choices, but they like the talent in the wide receiver room. Williams could be the guy.