The Las Vegas Raiders decided to make only one move at the NFL trade deadline, which was sending wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars for draft picks. The team has plenty of needs all around the roster, but with the playoffs being highly unlikely, they decided to stay put for the most part.
One of the big needs on the roster is at cornerback. Eric Stokes has played well, but he’ll be a free agent after the season. Rookie Darien Porter has shown some potential, but it remains to be seen just how good he’ll be.
Head coach Pete Carroll loves cornerbacks, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Raiders use a first-round pick on one in the 2026 NFL Draft. In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, they project Las Vegas to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 7 pick.
“Mansoor Delane has benefited greatly based on his transfer from Virginia Tech to LSU,” the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. “He was viewed as a potential first-round pick a year ago, but the move has brought out the best in him, to the point where he worked his way into top-10 consideration as the 2026 class’ CB1.
“His 36 forced incompletion percentage leads all SEC cornerbacks, according to PFSN’s Cam Mellor. He can be the piece the Las Vegas Raider drastically need (aside from a young up-and-coming franchise quarterback).”
Scouting Report on Delane
It’s not a secret that Carroll likes some length from his cornerbacks. Delane is only 6-foot, which could be an issue for the coach, but he did use a first-round pick to select Devon Witherspoon with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, and he’s the same size as Delane.
The Raiders have failed many times drafting first-round defensive backs, but Delane has a chance to be a serious impact player in the NFL, according to Bleacher Report socut Daniel Harms.
“Once again, the Raiders have a significant need at cornerback,” Harms said. “It’s time to actually address the position.
“The 6’0″, 190-pound Delane plays tough in press-coverage, doesn’t panic when the ball is in the air, attacks the catch point and displays the football IQ and athletic versatility to succeed in man- or zone-heavy schemes. He’s been one of the biggest risers throughout this process. The Raiders take advantage of his availability.”
Other Positions Raiders Need to Target
The only positions the Raiders will almost certainly not address in the first round of next year’s draft are running back and tight end. Any other position could use upgrades.
Quarterback has to be a consideration, especially if the Raiders finish with a top-five pick. Geno Smith hasn’t been good enough to be penciled in as the starter next season.
The team also really needs more pass rush help. Malcolm Koonce will be a free agent, and he’s been a non-factor this season. Defensive tackle is also a really big need.
We can’t forget about the offensive line. The Raiders may want to upgrade at every spot that isn’t left tackle. The team has so many needs. It’ll be hard to go wrong in the first round next year.
Raiders Predicted to Add Potential Superstar CB Following Trade Deadline