The Las Vegas Raiders appear to have a unanimous direction at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft, but what happens next is where things get interesting. With an impending young quarterback and a roster still in transition, the decisions made early on Day 2 could shape how quickly this team becomes competitive.
There is a growing sense around the league that Las Vegas will use its second-round pick to support its new signal-caller, Fernando Mendoza. How they choose to do that and which player ultimately becomes the target remain key storylines as draft week approaches.
Why Denzel Boston is a Logical Fit for the Las Vegas Raiders
One name that continues to surface in connection with the Raiders is Denzel Boston, a wide receiver who checks several boxes for a team looking to stabilize its offense.
“It wouldn’t be surprising for them to grab another pass catcher, especially if Denzel Boston (Washington) falls to pick No. 36,” wrote ESPN analyst Ryan McFadden. “Reuniting Mendoza with Elijah Sarratt (Indiana) would also be ideal, and a running back on Day 3 could be a possibility.”
Boston’s production supports the growing buzz. During the 2025 season with the Washington Huskies, he graded a C+ in PFSN’s CFB WR Impact Metrics while catching 56 of 86 targets for 755 yards and 10 touchdowns across 11 games. The numbers don’t jump off the page compared to some top-tier prospects, but they reflect consistency and reliability in a structured passing attack.
That reliability is a big part of his appeal. In his recent three-round mock draft, PFSN analyst Jacob Infante projected Boston to land in Las Vegas at No. 36, describing him as “a sure-handed receiver with some of the best hands and physicality in the 2026 NFL Draft class.”
For a developing quarterback like Mendoza, that skill set matters. A receiver who can win contested catches, secure the ball consistently, and operate across multiple areas of the field can serve as a stabilizing presence early in a young passer’s career.
How the Raiders’ No. 36 Pick Centers on Supporting Fernando Mendoza
While Boston is gaining traction, the broader takeaway is that Las Vegas is expected to prioritize offensive support with its second pick.
“Pick No. 1 won’t be a surprise, but where the Raiders go at No. 36 is a question a lot of NFL decision-makers are pondering,” wrote Matt Miller. “Based on the intel I’ve gathered, it’ll be a pick to support Mendoza. That might be a wide receiver or a right tackle, depending on who’s available. Like Ryan mentioned, Boston is a receiver who has been connected to the team.”
That flexibility is important. While adding a weapon like Boston makes sense, improving protection could be just as valuable, depending on how the board falls. Teams building around young quarterbacks often face that exact decision. Do you prioritize giving him more time in the pocket or more playmakers to throw to?
In this case, Boston represents the cleaner projection. His profile as a physical, dependable pass catcher aligns with what Mendoza would need early in his development. There is also a growing sense of momentum around the idea that he could be available in that range, which only strengthens the connection.
At the same time, McFadden’s mention of Elijah Sarratt adds another layer. Familiarity between quarterback and receiver can accelerate chemistry, something that teams value when trying to speed up a rebuild.
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Ultimately, the Raiders’ approach at No. 36 will reveal how they view Mendoza’s development timeline. If they lean toward Boston or another receiver, it signals a focus on immediate offensive cohesion. If they go offensive line, it suggests a longer-term investment in protection.
Whether it’s in the trenches or at pass catcher, Las Vegas is preparing to build around the future of its franchise.
