The Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 NFL draft strategy and undrafted free agent (UDFA) signings have left some intriguing questions about the team's future. With a focus on addressing key positions, let's delve into five UDFAs who could make a significant impact on the Raiders' 53-man roster.
WR E.J. Williams: A Fighter's Chance
The Raiders' wide receiver position remains a critical area of need, and E.J. Williams, a UDFA, presents an intriguing prospect. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Williams' physical attributes are a strong suit. His performance last season, catching 36 passes for 438 yards and six touchdowns, showcases his potential. The fact that he played alongside Fernando Mendoza, a known entity in the Raiders' system, further enhances his appeal. Williams' ability to fill the 'X' receiver role and his performance against similar players make him a strong contender for a spot on the roster.
WR Chase Roberts: Chemistry and Productivity
Another UDFA wide receiver, Chase Roberts, brings a different dynamic to the table. With a similar physical profile to Williams, Roberts stands at 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds. While he may not have the immediate chemistry with Mendoza, his productivity at BYU is notable. Roberts caught 54 passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns, outperforming Williams in certain aspects. The competition between these two receivers will be fierce, but Roberts' overall performance gives him a slight edge.
RB Roman Hemby: A Versatile Back
The Raiders' running back position is also in flux, and Roman Hemby, a former Hoosier, could be a valuable addition. Hemby's impressive stats as the National Champions' leading rusher with 1,118 rushing yards and seven touchdowns are hard to ignore. While the Raiders already have Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. as their first two backs, Hemby's versatility and college success make him a strong candidate. His ability to contribute on special teams, including kickoff returns, adds another layer to his appeal.
DT Gary Smith III: Defensive Strength
The Raiders' defensive strategy during the draft raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the lack of a nose tackle selection. This oversight could benefit Gary Smith III, a defensive tackle who excelled in the Big Ten. Smith's 82.3 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus and his third-place finish in defensive stops against the run in 2025 are impressive. His size (6-foot-1, 323 pounds) and performance against top talent make him a strong candidate to fill a crucial role on the defensive line.
K Kansei Matsuzawa: Kicking Potential
The Raiders' decision to move on from Daniel Carlson and sign Matt Gay during free agency opens up an opportunity for Kansei Matsuzawa. With a remarkable 93.1 percent field goal success rate, Matsuzawa's accuracy is a significant advantage. Nicknamed 'The Tokyo Toe,' he brings a unique skill set to the kicking position. While Gay's performance has been inconsistent, Matsuzawa's elite accuracy and potential make him a strong contender for the job.
In summary, these five UDFAs offer the Raiders a range of skills and potential contributions. Williams and Roberts compete for the wide receiver role, Hemby adds versatility at running back, Smith III strengthens the defensive line, and Matsuzawa provides kicking prowess. The Raiders' front office now has a challenging task of evaluating and selecting the best talent from this group to fill out their 53-man roster.
