The Las Vegas Raiders continue to add rookies after their initial round of undrafted free agent signings. The team has seen some players they like in rookie minicamp, and one of their recent signings is very interesting.
Offensive lineman Niklas Henning wasn’t expected to be drafted in the NFL Draft, but he was the No. 2 overall pick by the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL Draft. Henning played at Queen’s University, so he wasn’t on the radar for a lot of NFL teams.
He’s got good height at 6-foot-6, but likely needs to put on some weight, as he’s under 300 pounds. He’s very much a developmental prospect for the Raiders. NFL Draft Diamonds praised Henning’s athleticism in their scouting report.
“Queen’s University offensive lineman Niklas Henning emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in Canada this season, combining rare athleticism, ideal size, and significant developmental upside that firmly places him among the top CFL Draft candidates while also drawing interest from NFL scouts,” NFL Draft Diamonds wrote. “A former walk-on who began his collegiate career as an H-back/tight end, Henning earned U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian honors at two different positions—first in 2023 as a tight end and again in 2025 as an offensive tackle. His move to the offensive line culminated in a breakout 2025 campaign, where he helped anchor a dominant Queen’s unit that captured the Yates Cup, underscoring his adaptability, resilience, and ability to perform at a championship level.”
Trey Zuhn Is Player to Watch This Offseason
The Raiders didn’t end up investing heavily in the offensive line in the draft as many expected. However, they did use a third-round pick on Trey Zuhn III out of Texas A&M.
He was listed as a guard when the Raiders drafted him, but he could also possibly play tackle. He’s a player who could earn a starting job on the offensive line if he impresses this offseason. For now, he’s putting in the work at practice.
“There’s time when we’re just sitting around in the hot tub, cold tub just messing around, just talking about other things,” Zuhn told reporters recently. “But when it’s work time, it’s work time and everybody knows that.”
Zuhn Talks Getting to Know Fernando Mendoza
The Raiders drafted many players who could be important, but No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza is easily the most important. If he’s a hit, the team could be very good for a long time. If he’s a bust, Las Vegas is in trouble.
Mendoza is still early in his Raiders tenure, but he’s already leaving a good impression on his new teammates.
“It’s been great getting to know him, getting to talk with him off the field, on the field, working the playbook,” Zuhn said. “We had a walkthrough last night, getting some snaps and time together.
“So it’s been great getting to know him. … He’s a guy’s guy; he connects with everybody. He’s super friendly, easy to talk to, and getting to know everybody. So he’s a great leader, and I’m happy to be working with him.”
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