Silver & Black Sports Network

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup!

https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER

Fernando Mendoza is officially a Raider.

We're LIVE from Raiders Headquarters right after the Silver & Black selected Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

We’ll break down:

🏴‍☠️ What Mendoza said after the pick

🏴‍☠️ His fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense

🏴‍☠️ Why the Raiders made this move

🏴‍☠️ What comes next for Vegas

🏴‍☠️ Live reaction from Raider Nation

The speculation is over. The future is here.

Subscribe to Silver & Black Sports Network for live Raiders draft coverage all weekend.

📰 FREE Raiders Newsletter:

https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com

📲 Follow SBSN:

X: / jessesbsn

Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork

TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

#Raiders #FernandoMendoza #NFLDraft #RaiderNation

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup!

https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER

It’s time for our FINAL Raiders mock draft before the real 2026 NFL Draft gets rolling on Thursday.

Jesse Merrick puts himself in the Raiders' war room and builds the most realistic 7-round mock draft possible using everything we’ve learned this offseason — Top 30 visits, combine intel, roster needs, scheme fit, and comments from John Spytek & Klint Kubiak.

This isn’t another random mock.

This is what the Raiders may REALLY do on draft night.

🏴‍☠️ In this episode:

• Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall

• Who makes sense at Pick 36

• Why Christian Miller could be the move

• Safety targets like Kamari Ramsey & Jalen Kilgore

• Mid-round WR targets to help Mendoza

• Why OL still matters more than people think

• Trade-down spots to watch

• Late-round sleepers who fit Kubiak’s scheme

• My full 7-round Raiders draft blueprint

👇 QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Who’s the one player you’re pounding the table for after Pick No. 1?

#Raiders #NFLDraft #RaidersMockDraft #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #LasVegasRaiders

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup!

https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER

How are the Raiders really planning to attack the 2026 NFL Draft? 🤔

With the NFL Draft just a week away, Jesse Merrick breaks down what the Raiders’ Top 30 visits, combine meetings, free agency moves, and comments from GM John Spytek and Klint Kubiak may already be telling us about their real draft strategy.

This isn’t just another mock draft.

This is about connecting the dots… reading the clues… and projecting how Las Vegas could play the board round by round. 

🏴‍☠️ In this episode:

• How they may approach the offensive line

• What Spytek’s comments revealed about drafting tackles and guards

• Why safety feels like one of the clearest needs on the roster

• Why Kamari Ramsey could be a perfect Round 3 target

• Why Denzel Boston vs. Christen Miller may be the real Pick 36 debate

• Why the Raiders may not prioritize a true nose tackle early

• What Caleb Banks’ visit may reveal about their medical evaluations

• Why wide receiver visits point to a desire for a true X receiver

• Why Zachariah Branch / KC Concepcion could signal a speed-based wrinkle

• My projected Raiders draft plan from Round 1 through Day 3

👇 QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What’s the biggest clue the Raiders have given us about their draft plans this offseason?

CHAPTERS

00:00 RAIDERS O-LINE CLUES

03:46 ANALYZING SAFETY AND DL

06:39 RAIDERS 2ND ROUND APPROACH

09:26 DL TARGETS EXPLAINED

13:38 WHAT TYPE OF WR DO THEY WANT?

19:01 ROUND BY ROUND DRAFT APPROACH AND PREDICTIONS

#Raiders #RaidersDraft #NFLDraft #LasVegasRaiders #RaiderNation #FernandoMendoza #JohnSpytek #KlintKubiak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup!

https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER

The Raiders are expected to take Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall…

So the real question is, what are they going to do at No. 36 overall?

In this episode, Jesse Merrick is joined by Dalton Wasserman (Preferred Walk-On Podcast / formerly of PFF) to break down every realistic scenario for the Raiders in Round 2 — and why this pick could shape the entire class.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• Should the Raiders trade back into Round 1?

• Best WR targets at 36 (Denzel Boston, more)

• Why Christen Miller could make sense

• DT vs WR vs OT debate

• Cornerbacks to watch

• Why Pick 36 is a premium spot in this draft

• How Vegas should build around Fernando Mendoza

• Raiders full draft strategy explained

If you're trying to understand what John Spytek and Klint Kubiak may really do… this is the episode for you.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Raiders Draft Strategy and Needs

07:41 Pairing Boston with Mendoza

13:17 Evaluating DL Targets

30:08 Could they go OL at No. 36?

42:36 Evaluating the CB Class

48:11 Safety Needs and Options for the Raiders

54:02 Final Thoughts on Draft Strategy

#Raiders #RaidersDraft #NFLDraft

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup!

https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER

If the offensive line isn’t right… nothing else works.

In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by former Raiders offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse to break down how Klint Kubiak’s scheme will shape the Raiders’ offensive line — and why it’s the key to everything on offense.

🧠 In this episode:

• What Kubiak’s system demands from offensive linemen

• Why outside zone changes everything up front

• How the current Raiders O-line fits this scheme

• Why continuity and communication matter more than ever

• How Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant fit into the picture

• The biggest questions still facing this unit

👇 QUESTION FOR RAIDER NATION

How much improvement are you expecting from the offensive line with Klint Kubiak and Rick Dennison at the helm?

📺 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage

Silver & Black Sports Network

📰 FREE Raiders Newsletter:

https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com

📲 Follow SBSN:

X: / jessesbsn

Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork

TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

#raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersNews

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Raiders didn’t just sign Kirk Cousins to be a bridge QB…

They signed him to stabilize the offense and help develop their future quarterback.

In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by Matthew Coller (Purple Insider) to break down what the Raiders are really getting in Cousins — both as a potential Week 1 starter and as a mentor to presumed No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza.

🧠 In this episode:

• His history and success in the Shanahan/Kubiak system

• How Kubiak helps quarterbacks get the ball out faster

• Why Cousins’ experience is invaluable for Mendoza

• What he brings to the QB room as a mentor

• How he can help Mendoza with film study and preparation

• The importance of managing sacks and playing on time

• What the Raiders can realistically expect from Cousins in 2026

• Why this move signals a more serious, structured approach from the Raiders

Cousins may not be the long-term answer…

But he might be exactly what the Raiders need right now.

👇 QUESTION FOR RAIDER NATION

How long should Kirk Cousins start before turning things over to Mendoza?

CHAPTERS

00:00 Kirk Cousins Joins the Raiders: Initial Thoughts

03:52 Kirk's Fit with Klint Kubiak's Offense

07:39 Kirk Cousins as a mentor

10:30 Reducing Sacks as a QB

13:38 Kirk Cousins: Experience and Learning Opportunities

16:25 Comparing Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza

19:41 What the Raiders Gain from Kirk Cousins

22:29 Kirk's Role in Team Development

25:37 Mental Resilience in the NFL

29:23 Draft Insights and Future Prospects

—

Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup!

https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SILVER

📺 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage

Silver & Black Sports Network

📰 FREE Raiders Newsletter

https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com

📲 Follow SBSN:

X: / jessesbsn

Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork

TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

#raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersNews

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fernando Mendoza takes the field for his Pro Day…

And we’re breaking it all down LIVE.

Join Jesse Merrick and the Silver & Black Sports Network for a real-time watch party as the Raiders’ presumed QB1 puts his arm on display.

We’ll react to every throw and every takeaway as it happens… while also answering your questions live.

Check us out online at:

silverandblacksportsnetwork.com

And subscribe to our FREE newsletter, dropping every Friday at 6 a.m. (PST).

Follow us on X (Twitter):

x.com/JesseSBSN

Follow us on Instagram:

instagram.com/silverandblacksportsnetwork/?hl=af

#Raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersNews

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to be the Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick…

But is he really QB1 in this class?

In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by Ted Nguyen (The Athletic / Just Win Podcast) to break down why Mendoza is the right quarterback for the Raiders — and why the concerns around his game may be overblown.

After Dan Orlovsky sparked debate by ranking Ty Simpson ahead of Mendoza, we dive into the film, the traits, and the projection to explain why Mendoza still stands above the rest.

🧠 In this episode:

• Why Mendoza’s film is harder to evaluate than most QBs

• The truth about Indiana’s RPO-heavy offense

• What his tape DOES and DOESN’T show

• Why his performance in high-leverage situations stands out

• How his mental processing separates him from other prospects

• The biggest areas he still needs to improve

• Why his traits project so well to Klint Kubiak’s offense

• What to watch for at his Pro Day

• Why sitting Year 1 might be part of the plan

Mendoza may not check every traditional “pro-ready” box…

But the traits, processing, and fit could make him the perfect quarterback to build around in Las Vegas.

👇 QUESTION OF THE DAY 👇

Why do YOU think Fernando Mendoza is the right QB for the Raiders?

CHAPTERS

00:00 Evaluating Mendoza vs. Simpson

05:25 Mendoza's Offensive Limitations at Indiana

12:05 Clutch Performance in High Leverage Situations

16:37 Progression Reads and Coverage Recognition

21:00 Adjusting to Under Center Play

26:03 Pro Day Expectations and Impact

28:34 Mendoza's Fit in Kubiak's Offense

—

📺 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage

Silver & Black Sports Network

📰 FREE Raiders Newsletter

https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com

📲 Follow SBSN:

X: / jessesbsn

Instagram: / silverandblacksportsnetwork

TikTok: / silverandblacksportsnet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

#raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersNews

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What did free agency just reveal about the Raiders’ defense?

In this episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick is joined by Cody Alexander (MatchQuarters.com) to break down what the Raiders’ offseason moves tell us about Rob Leonard’s vision for this defense.

This isn’t just a recap…

It’s about understanding what the Raiders are actually building.

🧠 In this episode:

• What the Raiders’ free agency moves reveal

• How adding Taron Johnson changes the defense

• Why three-safety looks are taking over the NFL

• The missing piece the Raiders still need in the secondary

• Why the “3-4 defense” talk is being misunderstood

• What this means for their defensive line strategy

• Do the Raiders even need a true nose tackle?

Free agency gave us clues…

Now we’re connecting the dots.

👇 QUESTION FOR RAIDER NATION

What do YOU think the Raiders are building on defense?

CHAPTERS

00:00 Analyzing the Raiders' Defensive Moves

04:53 Taron Johnson's Role and Impact

07:45 Defensive Schemes: Nickel vs. Base Defense

10:50 The Importance of Versatile Safeties

13:52 Drafting Hybrid Safeties for the Future

16:37 Front Seven Dynamics and Player Rotations

27:18 Defensive Strategies and Player Utilization

31:51 The Impact of New Linebacker Signings

37:20 Understanding the Role of a True Nose Tackle

40:53 Drafting for Defensive Needs

45:53 Future Defensive Strategies and Player Development

📺 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage

Silver & Black Sports Network

📰 FREE Raiders Newsletter

https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com

📲 Follow SBSN:

X: https://twitter.com/JesseSBSN

Instagram: https://instagram.com/SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@silverandblacksportsnet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563125927573

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

🚨 LIVE RAIDERS MOCK DRAFT 🚨

This isn’t your typical mock draft… We already know how Round 1 likely plays out.

The real question is: What will the Raiders do after that?

In this live episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, Jesse Merrick goes pick-by-pick through a full 7-round Raiders mock draft — focusing on the strategy behind every selection.

From Round 2 through Day 3, we break down:

• How the Raiders are likely to approach each pick

• The different scenarios that could unfold

• Why certain players and positions make sense

• How free agency impacts their draft plan

• The overall blueprint for building this roster

💬 THIS IS A LIVE SHOW

We’re building this draft together.

Drop your picks, reactions, and questions in the chat as we go — and help shape how this mock plays out in real time.

🧠 What makes this different:

This isn’t just “who I would pick”… It’s about predicting what the Raiders will actually do.

👇 QUESTION FOR RAIDER NATION

How do you want the Raiders to approach the second round? Is there a position group you'd like to see them attack at No. 36?

CHAPTERS

02:48 Analyzing the Top Pick: Fernando Mendoza

09:00 Second Round

17:54 Third Round

34:51 Fourth Round

49:20 Fifth Round

01:01:30 Sixth Round

01:07:37 Seventh Round

01:12:50 Recapping My Mock Draft

01:16:55 Re-Running a 4-round Mock Draft

🔔 Subscribe for more Raiders coverage

📰 FREE Raiders Newsletter

https://SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork.com

📲 Follow SBSN

X: https://twitter.com/JesseSBSN

Instagram: https://instagram.com/SilverAndBlackSportsNetwork

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@silverandblacksportsnet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Silver-Black-Sports-Network/61563125927573/

#Raiders #RaiderNation #RaidersNews

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.