The Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 NFL Draft class is generating a lot of buzz, and rightfully so. With the top overall pick, they secured Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, who they hope will be the long-term solution at quarterback. But the draft wasn't just about high-profile selections; it was also about bolstering the roster with talented undrafted free agents. Among these undervalued gems are three players who could make a significant impact this offseason and beyond. Let's take a closer look at Cian Slone, Chase Roberts, and Tyler Duzanksy, three undrafted rookies who are ready to make some noise.
Cian Slone: The Relentless Edge Rusher
On the field, Slone is a force of nature. His relentless energy and aggressive playing style are exactly what NFL teams look for in an edge rusher. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 239 pounds, he's a physical presence that can't be ignored. What makes Slone particularly fascinating is his ability to play as a standup rusher or hands-in-the-dirt defender, offering versatility that's hard to come by. However, he'll need some seasoning to earn consistent snaps on defense, which is where his comparison to Chris Clemons comes in. Clemons had an eight-sack season in Oakland before going on to have a successful career with 56 more sacks. Slone's never-take-a-play-off mentality and special teams prowess make him a valuable asset, and the Raiders are likely to see him as a key player in Joe DeCamillis' coverage units as he develops into a reliable edge defender.
Chase Roberts: The Contested-Catch Specialist
The Raiders' wide receiver group is deep, with Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Jalen Nailor leading the way. But the lower-tier receivers must be able to contribute on special teams, and that's where Chase Roberts comes in. Roberts has the size (6-foot-4 and 210 pounds) to be a contested-catch specialist, using his height and leaping ability to make tough catches. He reminds me of Indiana's Charlie Becker, who had a similar skill set. However, Roberts will need to use his frame to be an impact gunner for roster considerations. If other players like Dont'e Thornton Jr. or E.J. Williams Jr. can't fill that role, Roberts could be in for a shot.
Tyler Duzanksy: The Versatile Long Snapper
The Raiders' special teams unit is in need of a new long snapper after releasing Jacob Bobenmoyer. Enter Tyler Duzanksy, a steady four-year presence at Penn State who showcased his ability to zip the ball and be an asset on coverage units with his tackling ability. Duzanksy and Alex Ward, the other long snapper on the roster, were both finalists for the Patrick Mannelly Award, an accolade bestowed upon the best long snapper in college football. While Ward has NFL experience, Duzanksy's functional athleticism and consistent performance make him a strong contender for the job. The combination of consistent snaps and getting downfield to make tackles will be the demarcation line between the two, and the chemistry they build with punter and holder AJ Cole III and place kickers Matt Gay and Kansei Matsuzawa will be critical.
In my opinion, these three undrafted rookies have the potential to make a significant impact on the Raiders' roster. Slone's relentless energy, Roberts' contested-catch ability, and Duzanksy's versatility as a long snapper make them three players to watch this offseason. While they may not have been drafted in the first round, their skills and determination could very well be the key to the Raiders' success in the coming years.
