For the second straight year, the Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek brought in a huge rookie class. But unlike last year, Klint Kubiak and his coaching staff intend to lean on these young players in the early going and get the future gears really turning in the primary stages of this rebuild.
While an impression can certainly be made in OTAs and training camp, preseason games and joint practices matter much more in the evaluation. And as the Raiders near the deadline to cut their roster to 53 players, it is becoming much clearer which rookies will be a big factor in 2026.
We assessed the rookie stock market after the first preseason game, and we are doing so again after the exhibition bout versus the Houston Texans. This isn't meant to write off or anoint any first-year players so early in their careers, but to give fans an indication of how things are trending for them.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie stock report after second preseason game vs. Texans
Fernando Mendoza, QB
Nobody is calling Mendoza a bust or saying that he played poorly against Houston, but he certainly didn't play as well as he did against the Arizona Cardinals in the opener. So, his stock is down, even if it doesn't mean much for his long-term prognosis. He'll still be a great franchise quarterback.
However, Kirk Cousins not suiting up with the rest of the presumed starters was also a bad sign for Mendoza's already-slim chances of being under center in Week 1. Fans maintained optimism that Mendoza could still get the starting nod, but Cousins' sitting practically ended that dream.
Verdict:Â Stock Down
Treydan Stukes, DB
Stukes got off to a slow start this summer, but he is ascending rapidly. After an up-and-down showing against Arizona, he responded with a really solid outing against the Texans, as he flashed the multi-faceted skill set that made him such a priority for the Raiders this past April.
Reports have indicated that Stukes took all of the starting reps during Sunday's practice instead of Isaiah Pola-Mao, which would be another step in the right direction. Regardless, it seems like Stukes will be a big factor for this defense, and there were questions about that just a week or two ago.
Verdict:Â Stock Up
Keyron Crawford, DE
Apologies for the alliteration, but Crawford is a curious case. He hasn't really stood out one way or another this preseason, as Crawford has failed to make any big plays, but he hasn't really messed anything up too badly, either. He's just hovering in the middle, out there, perhaps just doing his job.
And maybe that's fine. But with several other defensive ends below him on the depth chart playing quite well, I was tempted to have his stock go down. Until we see concrete signs that he is playing poorly or falling out of favor, though, Crawford's stock remains neutral.
Verdict:Â Stock Neutral
Trey Zuhn III, OL
Zuhn III had a little "baptism by fire" against the Texans, as Kubiak would say. He relinquished three pressures, including a quarterback hit, as Jadeveon Clowney had his way with the young rookie. And that's the caliber of player that Zuhn III will have to block effectively if he ever wants to start.
Verdict:Â Stock Down
Jermod McCoy, CB
McCoy's most notable moment against Houston was a great defensive play, followed by a personal foul for taunting. Fans shouldn't worry too much about the flag, as it was an emotional moment for McCoy, and he has surely learned his lesson. Most importantly, his coverage just looked better.
Did he still give up a few receptions? Absolutely. Does McCoy still have a lot to work on if he wants to be the same player in the NFL that he was in college? Definitely. But after a very rough debut for the Silver and Black, McCoy looked a bit better in preseason Week 2, so his stock is up.
Verdict:Â Stock Up
Mike Washington Jr., RB
Washington Jr. is a walking explosive play for the Las Vegas offense, and he impresses more and more seemingly every time he touches the ball. And now, with Ashton Jeanty's injury status a big question heading into the year, Washington Jr. may need to step up in a big way.
By all accounts, he is ready for a big role, whether that's as the stand-in lead back or as a complementary piece to Jeanty when he returns to being healthy. More than any other rookie this preseason, Washington Jr.'s stock is up.
Verdict:Â Stock Up
Dalton Johnson, SAF
Johnson was pretty lights out in the first preseason game, but he was a little more up-and-down against Houston. And that is to be expected for a fifth-round rookie who is still getting his feet wet in the NFL and learning multiple spots in a complicated defense.
Last Thursday, Johnson tallied a solid seven tackles, but he also gave up two receptions in coverage, had a penalty on special teams and was part of a substitution error for the Raiders' defense. It's early, and he's showing a lot of good. So, while his stock is high, it remains neutral after last week.
Verdict:Â Stock Neutral
Zeke Masses, CB
Masses, like McCoy, struggled in the first exhibition contest. But against the Texans, he fared so much better, and with Darien Porter's struggles, Masses starting may be back on the table. He was thrown at four times and gave up just one reception and added a run stop with no missed tackles. Stock up.
Verdict:Â Stock Up
Malik Benson, WR
Benson didn't impress as much as folks thought he would in the opener two weeks ago, and things got even worse during the Houston game. He was targeted five times and hauled in just one catch, dropping two crucial passes on third down. No need to panic, but he really struggled on Thursday.
Verdict:Â Stock Down
Brandon Cleveland, DT
Cleveland hasn't made his presence felt in either preseason game, despite ample opportunity. With the team adding another defensive tackle and others at his position thriving, it is hard to imagine that the Raiders are even entertaining Cleveland as an option for the 53-man team. Maybe practice squad.
Verdict:Â Stock Down
Cian Slone, DE
Slone expectedly stood out against Arizona, and he played well again versus the Texans. It is going to be interesting to see how Las Vegas sorts out the bottom of the defensive end room, but Slone is making his case stronger as he shows great pass-rush skills and run-stopping ability.
Verdict: Stock Up
Roman Hemby, RB
Hemby is a new addition here. And while it seemed like a long shot that he'd make the roster, he is now in the conversation after the Jeanty injury news. For what it's worth, Hemby has played just fine in limited opportunities this preseason. But based on pure opportunity alone, his stock is way up.
Verdict: Stock Up
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