The Las Vegas Raiders turned heads in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Treydan Stukes, a versatile defensive back from Arizona. While many expected the Raiders to target a traditional free safety, Stukes brings a unique blend of experience across multiple positions in the secondary—making him a potential steal for a team in need of playmakers.

Stukes spent his college career bouncing between roles, logging 943 snaps on the perimeter as an outside cornerback and 1,174 snaps in the slot over six seasons at Arizona, according to Pro Football Focus. He also saw 464 snaps in the box as a strong safety. That kind of positional flexibility is gold in today's NFL, where defenses are constantly shifting to counter high-powered offenses.

But what really sets Stukes apart is his ball-hawking ability. In 10 games last season, he hauled in four interceptions and broke up six passes, earning him a 90.4 coverage grade from PFF—the fourth-highest among all FBS cornerbacks. For a Raiders defense that struggled to create turnovers in 2025, Stukes could be the spark they need.

Now, let's break down the tape and see why this pick has so much potential.

One of Stukes' standout traits is his ability to track the ball in the air. In a key play from last season, Arizona lines up in a quarters coverage to the wide side of the field, leaving Stukes one-on-one with the slot receiver. He peeks into the backfield, reads the quarterback's eyes, and quickly adjusts. Using his hands to slow the receiver, he falls into a trail position with his back to the QB. But Stukes doesn't panic—he reads the route, recognizes it's an out rather than a corner, and stays in perfect position to make a play on the ball.

That kind of football IQ and ball-tracking ability is exactly what the Raiders need in a secondary that's been searching for a true playmaker. Whether he lines up outside, in the slot, or drops back as a safety, Stukes has the instincts and versatility to make an immediate impact in Las Vegas.