The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot to think about once all the joys follow with the selection of the No. 1 pick, and John Spytek knows there’s one position in particular he’d like to address during the 2026 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Ryan McFadden mentioned during a recent press conference that Spytek said the team will need more safeties, especially with only three on the roster.
“It’s something we’ve got to attack, and I’m glad the class looks the way it does,” Spytek said.
Raiders GM John Spytek Announces Key Issue He’d Like to Address Ahead of Draft
Spytek’s right. The Raiders only have starters Jeremy Chinn (SS) and Isaiah Pola-Mao (FS), with Tristin McCollum as the only depth piece on the team right now.
Not just that, Pola-Mao was arguably one of the worst statistical starting safeties according to Pro Football Focus last season, ranking 97 out of 98 qualified safeties.
Las Vegas would ideally look to replace him with a rookie during the draft, as well as bring in some more depth. The Raiders recently brought in USC safety prospect Kamari Ramsey for a visit, a projected third- to fourth-round pick who could provide some starting reps or valuable depth.
A short summary on Ramsey via Dane Brugler of The Athletic? “A fluid, smart defender who’s solid across the board.”
Here’s a longer summary on Ramsey:
“For most defenses, a linebacker wears the green dot. For USC, it was Ramsey because of his check communication and knowledge of everything happening at each level of the defense. Though he has the fluidity and speed to survive in man-to-man, he is better in zone, where he can sort through traffic and drive on the ball. He prides himself on thinking a few steps ahead (started playing chess during lunch in high school, and it translates to the field), although his playmaking eyes are only average.”
If the Raiders want to address the position in the second round, some prospects could include Miami’s Keionte Scott, LSU’s A.J. Haulcy, Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley, TCU’s Bud Clark, South Carolina’s Jalon Kilgore, and Arizona’s Genesis Smith.
Any Potential Free Agent Safeties the Raiders Could Sign?
GettyHarrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers.
If the Raiders want to look at free agency as one avenue when it comes to addressing the safety positions, there are still plenty of veteran options out in the open market.
Harrison Smith, the longtime Minnesota Viking, was still performing at a high level before the Vikings decided to part ways with him. He will be 37 years old, but he could provide solid depth and leadership to a young Raiders defense.
Some other options can include the following:
- Jimmie Ward – 34 years old
- Donovan Wilson – 29 years old
- Xavier Woods – 30 years old
- Taylor Rapp – 28 years old
- Ifeatu Melifonwu – 27 years old
- Ashtyn Davis – 30 years old
- Jabrill Peppers – 30 years old
- Terell Edmunds – 29 years old
- Mike Edwards – 29 years old
Regardless of what direction Las Vegas goes, adding more safeties will be a huge priority. The Raiders will likely look to address it first through the draft, and if need be, go out and sign some veterans to provide more depth.
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