Silver And Black Pride
Most teams know how they’re stacking up with the rest of the NFL and what their future is going to hold plus what they’re going to need. Additionally, the NFL has a good idea of where college football’s top prospects stand and at this point losing teams have a good shot to start looking towards April.
Simpson has been highly productive in his first season starting for Alabama. The 22 year old has sat behind multiple QBs at Alabama and has learned the position well. He’s logged 20 touchdowns to just one interception with a 68% completion rate and 2184 yards. Simpson has a good arm, displays the ability to make NFL caliber throws while also being extremely comfortable in the pocket. The Raiders can’t go into 2026 with Geno Smith at quarterback, especially with Smith ranking in the bottom 10 of almost every advanced metric. Simpson is young, does have some concerns with his lack of starting time but displays high end mental traits for the position in college while also displaying NFL caliber quarterback traits. The Raiders absolutely have to find a way to make a move at QB this off-season.
Johnson is a long physical cornerback at 6’1/195 and displays excellent NFL traits both in size and athleticism. Johnson has logged 38 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 6 PBU, and a forced fumble this season along with two touchdowns on interception returns. In coverage, Johnson has allowed just 13 receptions for 141 yards and a 16.4 QBR. The 21 year old has been a phenomenal man and zone corner this season, displays elite tackling (4.5% Miss rate in his career), and a high IQ at the position. Johnson has the ability to make a play on the ball in coverage, has high end athletic traits, and should translate to the NFL well given his IQ. The Raiders lack talent at cornerback with Kyu Blu Kelly struggling and Eric Stokes a pending free agent. Darien Porter deserves the chance to start, and Johnson should do the same in 2026.
Las Vegas has seen struggles from Isaiah Pola-Mao this season and Jeremy Chinn hasn’t had the chances to play nickel LB as often as the Raiders have likely preferred him too. Wheatley has a great frame at 6’2, 210 and displays above average athletic traits with quick initial burst and excellent instincts at safety. Wheatley has the versatility to slide across the defense logging over 350 snaps at SS and NCB along with his 1100+ snaps as a high safety. Wheatley is a productive player with 198 tackles, 6 interceptions, 6 PBU, 3 FF, 2 FR, and 5 TFL in his career along with allowing just 302 yards, 4 TD, and a 82.1 QBR in his career. Las Vegas needs a ball hawking safety who can make plays in...
