Thoughts on Raiders taking Tredyan Stukes at No. 38
TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 28: Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) intercepts a pass during the second half of a football game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 28, 2025 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, AZ. (Photo by Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesHere are some thoughts on the pick:
The Raiders traded No. 36 and No. 117 for No. 38 and No. 91 in a deal with the Houston Texans. It was a good value trade for the Raiders and they fell just two picks and picked up a third-round pick. That gives Las Vegas four picks in the top 91 choices and they still have 10 overall picks. They went down from three to two third-round picks.
The Raiders were in good shape, anyway. There would a lot of nice players available when they made the trade. They could have taken Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (that's who Houston made the deal for). At No. 38, the Raiders still have their choice of the likes of Stukes, Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNell-Warren.
In the end, it was Stukes.
Many draft observers thought McNeil-Warren was a better prospect. But the Raiders went with the versatile Stukes. He can play nickel cornerback and safety. A lot of scouts think he can be an impact player. He is 24 and that may have hurt his draft stock some.
The Raiders indicated that this was a strong safety class and they could wait toward the end of the draft to fill the position, but clearly, the Raiders were in on Stukes. The Raider are thin at safety and Stukes has a chance to play right away.
It was a good start to the day.