# Raiders Rookies Earn High Praise

> Raiders' rookie class makes strong early impact despite Kubiak's surprise.
- Title: Raiders Rookies Earn High Praise · Las Vegas Raiders On SI
- Summary: Raiders' rookie class makes strong early impact despite Kubiak's surprise. Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 draft class, including 17 rookies, is praised for early…
- Keywords: las vegas raiders, nfl, 2026 draft, rookies, klint kubiak, john spytek, raider way, practice squad, injured reserve, 53-man roster, sports, Raiders
- Source: Las Vegas Raiders On SI — https://si.com/nfl/raiders/onsi/las-vegas-rookies-earn-high-praise-strong-early-impact
- Published: 2026-10-21T20:54:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: las vegas raiders, nfl, 2026 draft, rookies, klint kubiak, john spytek, raider way, practice squad, injured reserve, 53-man roster, sports
## Raiders Rookies Earn High Praise
The Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) will host the Los Angeles Rams (2-4) at Allegiant Stadium this weekend.
## Early Storyline Focus
This season's early storyline has been the overachieving rebuilding Raiders and their impressive rookies.
## Rookie Class Impact
Despite the No. 1 overall pick that had NFL executives calling him the best QB prospect in the past four drafts, Fernando Mendoza, sitting on the bench, the Raiders' freshman class is making moves.
## 2026 NFL Draft Class
When the 2026 NFL Draft wrapped up, the Raiders selected ten players.
## Rookie Breakdown
Fernando Mendoza QB RD 1 #1 53-man roster, Treydan Stukes S RD 2 #38 53-man roster, Keyron Crawford DE RD 3 #67 injured reserve, Trey Zuhn III OL RD 3 #91 53-man roster, Jermod McCoy…
## Rookie Praise
Justin Melo ranked the Raiders’ class No. 3 overall, and even the biggest hater of the Silver and Black couldn’t argue with his case.
## Rookie Numbers
The Raiders have an astonishing 17 rookies in the building: eight on the 53-man roster, two on injured reserve, and seven on the practice squad.
## Where Are the Rest?
With eight of the ten draft picks on the 53-man roster, one injured reserve, and one on the practice squad, where are the other seven undrafted rookies?
## Kubiak's View
Klint Kubiak says the class is key to success, credit to John Spytek for team-oriented players, and young guys must keep developing.

> Yes, a lot of key contributors and guys that we're still counting on. I think that's a big part of being successful in the NFL is getting your young guys to play early, and credit to John Spytek for the young men that he's brought in, not only as good players, but guys that are team-oriented individuals that are about the Raider Way.
## Key takeaway

Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 draft class, including 17 rookies, is praised for early contributions and team integration.