The Maxx Crosby trade saga for the Las Vegas Raiders came to an end with the team trading the star defensive end to the Baltimore Ravens. Players like Croby don’t often come around, so it’s going to be difficult to find a replacement, even with two extra first-round picks.
While the Raiders won’t likely find a defensive lineman who is on Crosby’s level immediately, they do have the chance to find a major impact player. By trading with the Ravens, the Raiders now own the No. 14 pick in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
That’s a very valuable pick, and some big-time talent should still be on the board. The Raiders can’t afford to mess up these first-round picks the way they did with the Khalil Mack trade.
There are some players that should already be on the team’s radar. It’s unlikely that he falls to No. 14, but Ohio State safety Caleb Downs could make a ton of sense. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com described him as an “alpha” in his scouting report. The Raiders just traded their alpha, so they need a new one.
The last time the Raiders had a safety of Downs’ level was Charles Woodson. The team’s defensive backfield has been underwhelming for a long time, so landing a potential superstar safety could solve a major position of need for the next several years.
OL Should Also Be in Play
The Raiders will also be looking closely at offensive linemen. Las Vegas allowed the most sacks in the NFL last season (64). A lot of the offensive line struggles were due to poor coaching and Geno Smith holding onto the ball too long, but there’s no denying that the group was just bad last season.
Left tackle Kolton Miller is a staple, but he’s the only guaranteed starter in 2026. Former second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson will likely start, as well, but it remains to be seen if he’ll play at guard or center.
While the Raiders could go after a right tackle, adding another guard might be a high priority. Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane is a player to watch. He should be available at No. 14 and has a great build for a guard. He’s a powerful player who should be a factor in the run game.
If the Raiders want an upgrade at right tackle, Spencer Fano out of Utah could be in play if he falls to No. 14.
WR Can’t Be Ruled Out
Building out the trenches makes a lot of sense, but there’s also the fact that the Raiders need playmakers. Their wide receiver is very thin right now, and there aren’t a lot of great options in free agency.
New head coach Klint Kubiak just had Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp to work with. He might want a true WR1. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson was once expected to be a top-10 pick. It now looks like he’ll be available to the Raiders at No. 14. He’s a bit of a gamble due to previous injury issues, but he’s got big-time upside.
USC’s Makai Lemon is another possible option. He’s a wide receiver who makes plays after the catch, which could be valuable for a team likely starting a rookie quarterback.
Who Should Raiders Draft With First-Round Pick From Maxx Crosby Trade?