Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the NFL Draft approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at the center of a flurry of draft rumors, with speculation focusing on how the team will address key roster gaps to build on their late-season momentum. With a first-round pick (projected to be in the mid-teens) and needs across the offensive line, secondary, and defensive edge, the Raiders’ draft strategy has become a hot topic among analysts, insiders, and fans. These rumors aren’t just idle speculation—they’re rooted in the team’s recent moves, salary cap situation, and long-term vision to build a sustainable contender. Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the most prominent rumors, exploring which positions the Raiders may target, which prospects are linked to them, and how these picks could shape the team’s future.

Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with rumors that the Raiders are targeting offensive tackle help in the first round, with several top prospects linked to their projected pick. The Raiders’ offensive line has been a inconsistent unit, especially at right tackle, where incumbent Trey Pipkins III has struggled with pass protection (allowing 7 sacks this season). According to NFL Network insiders, the Raiders have shown strong interest in Alabama’s JC Latham and Oregon’s Troy Fautanu—two elite tackles with the size, strength, and athleticism to immediately compete for a starting role. Latham, a 6-foot-6, 342-pound mauler, is known for his dominance in the run game, while Fautanu (6-foot-4, 310 pounds) excels in pass protection, making him a fit for the Raiders’ need to keep rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell clean. “The Raiders have made it clear they want to protect O’Connell long-term,” one league source told Pro Football Talk. “Investing a first-round pick in a tackle makes sense—they can’t afford to let their young QB take unnecessary hits, especially as he continues to develop.” The rumor gained traction after Raiders general manager Tom Telesco was spotted meeting with both Latham and Fautanu at the NFL Combine.

A second major rumor in Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Las Vegas Raiders is speculation that the Raiders are considering trading back in the first round to accumulate more picks, while still targeting a top prospect at a position of need. With multiple needs (offensive line, safety, edge rusher) and only one first-round pick, the Raiders could look to move down a few spots to add a second or third-round selection, allowing them to address more gaps. Analysts from ESPN and The Athletic have suggested that teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills—both with late-first-round picks and needs at wide receiver or cornerback—could be interested in trading up to select a prospect like USC wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. or Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean. In such a scenario, the Raiders could drop to the 20s, still land a quality tackle or safety (like Texas safety Jalen Catalon or Florida edge rusher Princely Umanmielen), and gain an extra pick to use on depth in later rounds. “Trading back is a smart play for the Raiders,” said former NFL GM Michael Lombardi. “They have too many holes to fill with just one first-round pick. Moving down lets them get a starter and add depth—something they desperately need to compete in the AFC West.”

Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Las Vegas Raiders also includes rumors that the Raiders are targeting a safety in the early rounds to shore up their secondary—a need that became more apparent after the team’s struggles against tight ends and deep passes this season. The Raiders’ safety group, led by Tre’von Moehrig and Isaiah Pola-Mao, has shown flashes but lacks consistency, especially in coverage. According to Raiders Wire, the team has done extensive homework on several top safeties, including Alabama’s Malachi Moore, Georgia’s Javon Bullard, and Clemson’s Andrew Mukuba. Moore, a versatile defender who can play both free and strong safety, has drawn comparisons to former Raider Charles Woodson for his ability to read plays and make tackles in space. Bullard, a hard-hitting safety with 5 career interceptions, would add physicality to the Raiders’ secondary, while Mukuba’s speed (4.42 40-yard dash at the Combine) makes him a fit for covering deep threats. “The Raiders’ secondary needs a playmaker,” said NFL analyst Bucky Brooks. “Adding a safety early would let them move Moehrig to his more natural free safety spot and give them a reliable starter next to him. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this isn’t just a depth move—it’s a way to fix a unit that’s held them back in big games.”

Another prominent rumor is speculation that the Raiders will target a pass rusher in the second or third round to complement All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby, as the team looks to add more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Crosby has been a one-man wrecking crew this season (14 sacks), but the Raiders’ edge rotation beyond him lacks depth—backup Malcolm Koonce has just 3 sacks, and Tyree Wilson, a 2023 first-round pick, has struggled to adjust to the NFL. Rumors link the Raiders to prospects like UCLA’s Laiatu Latu (a 6-foot-5, 259-pound edge rusher with 21 sacks over the last two seasons) and Penn State’s Chop Robinson (a speedster with a 4.44 40-yard dash and 10 sacks in 2023). Latu, who overcame a neck injury to become one of college football’s top pass rushers, has drawn praise for his technique and motor, while Robinson’s athleticism makes him a projectable NFL starter. “Crosby can’t do it alone,” said former Raiders defensive end Howie Long. “The Raiders need someone to take pressure off him, so he doesn’t have to face double teams every play. Adding a pass rusher in the early rounds would make their defense exponentially better. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this is a must if they want to compete with teams like the Chiefs and Chargers, who have elite quarterbacks that need to be pressured.”

Finally, Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with rumors that the Raiders will use late-round picks to add depth at running back and wide receiver, as they look to build a more balanced offense around O’Connell. With Josh Jacobs set to become a free agent (and rumors that he may not re-sign), the Raiders could target a running back like Texas’ Jonathon Brooks (a 6-foot-0, 216-pound back with 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023) or Tulane’s Tyjae Spears (a versatile pass-catcher with 50 receptions this season) in the fourth or fifth round. At wide receiver, behind Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow, the Raiders lack reliable depth—rumors suggest they may target a slot receiver like Ohio State’s Xavier Johnson or a deep threat like LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. in the later rounds. “Late-round picks are where you build championship rosters,” said Telesco at a recent press conference (without confirming specific rumors). “You need depth to survive an NFL season, especially at skill positions where injuries are common. For the Las Vegas Raiders, these late picks could be the difference between making the playoffs and falling short.” As the draft nears, these rumors will continue to evolve—but one thing is clear: the Raiders’ draft strategy will focus on protecting O’Connell, shoring up their defense, and adding depth to compete in the tough AFC West. Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately shows that the team’s offseason plans are taking shape, with every rumor reflecting their goal of building a contender that honors the Raiders’ legacy of excellence.