Road to the Draft: Pre-draft prep continues with Raiders' local pro day

Apr 13, 2026 at 05:23 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

The Las Vegas Raiders continue to handle their due diligence heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, including a closer look at the talent in their own backyard.

The team hosted its annual local pro day Monday with over 50 players in attendance from universities nearby such as UNLV, USC and UCLA plus a handful of prospects who claim Las Vegas as their hometown.

The highest represented school was the one the Raiders share Allegiant Stadium with. The Rebels are coming off their third consecutive winning season, the first time they've accomplished that feat since 1980.

"I think it's a blessing to showcase your talents of what you can do and add on to that program," UNLV linebacker Chief Borders said. "At the end of the day, it's all about what you can to add on to that team."

"It's great to be back in Las Vegas with the hometown NFL team," added UNLV long snapper Andrew McIlquham. "It's great to be able to come in, see the facilities, meet all the coaches. It's great for players that feel like want to have a chance."

Of the Las Vegas natives in the building, running back Tawee Walker was one of the more notable prospects, having accumulated 2,148 rushing yards and 21 career rushing touchdowns with the Oklahoma Sooners, Wisconsin Badgers and Cincinnati Bearcats.

Walker, who attended Mojave High School in North Las Vegas, is childhood friends with defensive tackle Jonah Laulu and they were also college teammates at Oklahoma. Laulu, originally drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, had caught the Raiders' eye during local pro day two years ago, which eventually led to the team claiming him off waivers. Laulu played in all 17 games (15 starts) for the Silver and Black last season.

"He kind of went through the same process and I'm kind of where he was at – projected as far as draft grades," Walker said. "It's kind of a similar path so I'm getting some advice on him, just keeping my head high and staying ready for my opportunity."

"It would be crazy for me to do that," Walker added of potentially becoming a Raider. "This is my hometown, all my family is here. This would be a great feeling to be able to use my opportunity and take care of my family where my family is at. That would be a blessing."

Related Links

Laulu isn't the only player who made an impression on the front office and coaching staff at previous local pro days. Current Raiders who participated in the past include Isaiah Pola-Mao, Brenden Rice and UDFA cornerback Greedy Vance, who appeared in six games his rookies season.

"It's a great opportunity for people who are in the situation I was in," Vance said of attending last year's event. "Not knowing if I was going to get drafted, not having a high stock, so when you're able to take the opportunity to get in front of these teams, these workouts play a big role in getting scouted. ... Once you get your foot in the door, it's all about what you do from there."

While the Raiders have 10 draft picks at their disposal, there's a strong possibility they received a first-hand look at a player or two they'll sign as an undrafted free agent post-draft.

"It's just an awesome chance to get to see the kids workout and compete and see who's in shape," General Manager John Spytek said. "It's a testament to these kids for coming up and kind of laying it on the line and performing in front of people. We love the guys that take their opportunity seriously and work hard and show what skills they have."

For more draft content, visit raiders.com/draft

1 / 55

Raider Rusher poses for a photo with a student before the Special Olympics of Nevada Unified Flag Football Competition at Cheyenne High School.