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Previewing an offensive player from each position to watch at 2026 NFL Combine

The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the NFL Combine in an unique position with the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

While all eyes are on what the Silver and Black will do with the top draft pick, there's a plethora of needs to address on the roster with the Combine next week. While General Manager John Spytek has a year under the belt leading the charge, he'll be going into the Combine with first-time Head Coach Klint Kubiak fresh off a Super Bowl LX victory as the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator.

With a huge emphasis on improving a lackluster offensive unit from 2025, here's a closer look at six players potentially on the Raiders' radar next week at the NFL Combine.

QB: Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

Yes, I know this isn't who you're expecting.

I'm aware that nearly every media member and draft analyst predicts quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be the Raiders' top selection this April. And yes, the Indiana quarterback has been invited to the NFL Combine.

But it's also not realistic for Mendoza to take part in any on-field drills during the week, with the film from his 2025 season being more than enough for scouts to evaluate until his Pro Day. With that being said, the Heisman Trophy runner-up behind Mendoza could benefit greatly from a good showing in Indianapolis.

Pavia led the Vanderbilt Commodores to a 10-3 record in 2025, while leading the SEC in completion percentage (70.6) and passing touchdowns (29). He also excels as a scrambler with 31 career rushing touchdowns at New Mexico State and Vanderbilt.

Measuring in under 5-10 tall may have detracted scouts away from him at the Senior Bowl, but he still managed to be the most efficient passer in the showcase – going 10 of 13 for 78 passing yards. His athletic ability alone makes him an intriguing guy to watch throughout the week.

RB: Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

The need for another running back in this year's draft seems diminished considering Ashton Jeanty was selected sixth overall last year.

Nevertheless, there's a plethora of options to pair alongside 'The Silver Surfer' including Notre Dame's Jadarian Price. Serving as the change of pace with All-American and Doak Walker Award winner Jeremiyah Love, Price didn't catch as many of the headlines coming out of South Bend. But that doesn't make him any less of an NFL-capable running back.

Even as RB2, he amassed over 100 carries his junior season with 674 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. And of his six receptions during the season, two were for touchdowns as well. He also holds special teams value coming into the NFL, leading the nation in yards per kick return (37.5) and kick returns for touchdowns (two).

Currently rated the third-best running back in this draft class by NFL.com's Bucky Brooks, a good week in Indianapolis could set him apart from not only his Notre Dame teammate, but the rest of the position group in attendance.

WR: Elijah Sarratt, Indiana

After being named First-team All-Sun Belt in 2023 with James Madison, he followed his head coach Curt Cignetti to the University of Indiana.

The decision to hit the transfer portal paid off with a national championship, becoming a security blanket for Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. He led the nation in receiving touchdowns (15), also finishing second on the Hoosiers behind Omar Cooper in receptions (65) and receiving yards (830).

With his 6-foot-2 frame and impressive catch radius, he's earned the nickname "Waffle House" among his peers for his ability to "always be open" on the field. The biggest question mark on Sarratt is his speed and lateral quickness, so he could benefit from posting some above-average metics in on-field drills. There's also the possibility the Raiders want to pair him back with Mendoza if the quarterback is selected with the No. 1 overall pick.

TE: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Las Vegas already has two-time Pro Bowler Brock Bowers on the roster, but Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq might be the closest thing you'll see to Bowers at the NFL Combine.

Sadiq has all the traits to make him a starting tight end as soon as he enters the NFL. While he led the Ducks in receptions and receiving touchdowns his junior year, he also excels as a run blocker. Already with an impressive physique coming into the NFL, the junior will only be 21 years old entering in the league with arguably more upside than any pass catcher in this year's class.

"Kenyon Sadiq is a headache for opponents as an ultra-athletic pass catcher with the potential to align anywhere on the field," wrote Bucky Brooks, who has Sadiq as his top-ranked tight end in this class. "With outstanding speed and quickness at a listed 6-3, 245 pounds, the Oregon standout is a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties between the hashes. With the junior also routinely mauling defenders in the running game, the No. 1 tight end prospect in this class could come off the board as a top-20 selection.

OL: Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon

Another Oregon Duck makes this list, as Emmanuel Pregnon has a real chance to make himself the highest-regarded guard at the NFL Combine.

After stints at Wyoming and USC, he put emphatically put himself on the map in 2025 blocking for Dante Moore. Having not allowed a sack since 2022 with the Cowboys, he received a 88 pass blocking grade and 88.3 run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus last season. He also boasts 50 games played in college, with durability not being a concern heading to the next level.

"Ultra-durable and experienced," said NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, "Pregnon has the prototypical frame of a downhill blocker. ... In pass pro, he leverages his length well and is quick to detect twists/blitz development. Long pass slides and forward lunges invite counters from skilled, sub-package rushers but protection isn't a major concern. He'll be an older rookie who projects as a good plug-and-play starter and immediate run-blocking upgrade."

OT: Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Miami reached their first national championship game appearance since the 2002 season, with quarterback Carson Beck completing 72.4 percent of his passes for 30 touchdowns. There's certainly a direct correlation between the Hurricanes' success and the production from Francis Mauigoa.

The three-year starter was a fixture not only for Beck, but 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward – allowing only three sacks in his past two seasons. He received an 87 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus his junior season while also receiving First-Team All-American and All-ACC honors.

"Francis Mauigoa is a mauler with the heavy hands and nasty temperament to dominate defenders at the point of attack," said Brooks. "While the Miami product must play with better pad level, the 6-6, 335-pound junior is a Day 1 starter at right tackle."

While unlikely to slip out of the first round of this year's draft, he'll be someone the Raiders still take a good look at with intentions of improving their offensive line this offseason.

Take a look at the Silver and Black's best touchdown photos from the 2025 season.

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