The Las Vegas Raiders all of a sudden have a wider net to cast when scouting prospects in April’s NFL draft.
Friday’s agreement to trade star defensive end Maxx Crosby gives the Raiders a pick in the middle of the first round that should yield an elite talent to go along with the expected selection of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick.
Several players the Raiders would have likely had no chance to get with their second selection at No. 36 overall are now very much in play.
They should have a shot to get not only an elite player, but also one who plays a premium position that happens to be an area of need for the rebuilding franchise.
Here’s an early look at some possibilities for the Raiders with the No. 14 overall pick they acquired from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for Crosby:
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
He’s an intriguing prospect to project because he will need the right scheme fit to truly succeed at the next level.
It just so happens the Klint Kubiak system is one that should suit him very well.
Fano has exceptional athleticism and will be at his best in a run-heavy system that allows him to get on the move.
Check.
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Freeling may be a bit more of a project at first, but could possess the highest ceiling of any offensive tackle in the draft.
He showed significant improvement throughout his only season as a full-time starter and has all the tools to be a star.
Freeling needs to add mass and strength at the next level. If he can do that while maintaining his quickness and athleticism, the sky is the limit.
Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
He is included here because he is by far the best of the interior linemen available in the draft and the Raiders will certainly address that area.
He may be a bit opposite of Fano, however, in that he may not be an ideal scheme fit.
Ioane is rock solid in both the pass game and run game, though he relies more on strength than mobility.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Rarely is there such an easy an obvious draft comparison and it’s not just because they went to the same college.
Lemon is the next Amon-Ra St. Brown. He’s exceptionally smooth in his routes and constantly finds himself open despite a lack of elite speed.
His intelligence as a route-runner may only be eclipsed by his competitiveness.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
While Lemon is ultra smooth, Tyson is more spectacular.
There is really no such thing as a 50-50 ball with him because he is such a favorite to come down with the catch in those situations.
Tyson has had some injury issues in college, but has also shown a willingness to play through pain.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Assuming LSU star corner Mansoor Delane is off the board at this point, McCoy could be a steal at another position of obvious need.
His 2024 film is fantastic, showing high-end coverage ability in both man and zone in addition to ball skills to make plays at the catch point.
McCoy’s stock could be even higher had he not missed the 2025 season with a torn ACL.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
This one is a long shot, particularly after he absolutely blew up social media with an unbelievable performance at the combine.
But he is currently No. 9 on the Mock Draft Database consensus big board and linebackers do tend to slide in the draft. There is always a chance he could make it to the Raiders.
It would be a dream selection, giving them long-term leadership pieces at positions of need on both offense and defense with their first-round picks.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.
