The Raiders are set for a busy final day of the draft, holding seven picks, including three in the fourth round.
Having addressed significant needs through free agency, they might not feel urgent pressure to pick players immediately. Instead, they can look for prospects who will take time to develop, potentially yielding benefits in the years to come.
They’re optimistic about finding a few players in 2026 who can become contributors, whether as role players or starters.
Here are some potential sleeper picks they might consider this Saturday.
Cole Wisniewski, safety, Texas Tech
With a pressing need for a developmental safety, picking Wisniewski in the fourth round could be a smart move. Although he only spent one season at Texas Tech, he made a strong impact, recording 78 tackles and six pass breakups, with some of those tackles coming behind the line of scrimmage.
Prior to Texas Tech, he accumulated 194 tackles at North Dakota State. Wisniewski’s strength in both run defense and pass coverage could help him evolve into a reliable NFL safety over time.
Nadame Tucker, edge, Western Michigan
The Raiders had success in 2019 by selecting Maxx Crosby from Eastern Michigan in the fourth round. Could they potentially discover another sleeper in Tucker? Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds, he earned MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors with nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He has a knack for pressuring quarterbacks and making his presence felt in the backfield.
While Tucker may need a bit of refinement, the Raiders have the time to nurture his development, and who better to guide him than Crosby himself?
Red Murdock, linebacker, Buffalo
The Raiders have faced challenges in generating turnovers, but Murdock could help change that. He’s known for forcing fumbles, having set an FBS record by forcing 17 during his career. His skill in knocking the ball loose from opponents speaks to his potential.
Speed isn’t his strong suit, which might impact where he’s drafted, but his tackling ability and knack for making plays show his understanding of the game. While he can be developed in time, he would still provide immediate help on special teams.
Noah Whittington, running back, Oregon State
The Raiders are on the lookout for a replacement for Ashton Jeanty, and Whittington seems to fit that role well. At just over 5-8, he’s a tough downhill runner who amassed nearly 3,000 yards in college.
With 90 receptions and 544 yards under his belt, he also demonstrates good skills in the passing game. His ability to make explosive plays while being a punishing runner could perfectly complement Giunty.
Darrell Jackson Jr., defensive tackle, Florida State
A sizable player, Jackson Jr. has slimmed down to 6-5 and 312 pounds at the NFL Combine, down from about 337 pounds during his time at Florida State. The Raiders are in need of a nose tackle who can handle challenges at the point of attack, and Jackson Jr. possesses that skill set. Last season, he made 45 tackles, including three tackles for loss.
