Pre-Training Camp 2026 NFL Mock Draft Gives Raiders LT of the Future

Coming into the 2025-26 season, expectations are much higher for the Las Vegas Raiders. After a 4-13 season, there’s a new head coach-quarterback combo in town and fans are anticipating a rebound effort.

With Geno Smith under center for at least the next two seasons, the quarterback situation is finally stable again. Given Smith’s age and the NFL Draft selection of running back Ashton Jeanty, maintaining a quality offensive line is paramount.

The tackle spot is as important as any along the line. In a pre-training camp mock draft for Pro Football Sports Network, Owain Jones sends a new one to the Raiders.

Raiders Land Utah LT Caleb Lomu in 2026 Mock Draft

Jones has Las Vegas picking ninth in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. With that pick, current Utah left tackle Caleb Lomu joins the Raiders organization.

It’s Jones’ belief that with a new environment this coming season, Lomu could cement his status as a projected first-round pick.

“Caleb Lomu is a technically refined offensive tackle who has elegance in pass sets while boasting a nasty demeanor as a run blocker,” Jones wrote. “The Utah left tackle allowed two sacks on 406 pass blocking snaps in 2024 and blends elite athleticism with a mauling mentality and clean technique. With all eyes on a new offensive coordinator and quarterback combination that is expected to deliver a more potent Utah offense in 2025, Lomu will have the opportunity to become a household name as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft.”

Lomu, a four-star recruit initially, came out as one of the best players in the state of Arizona. He’s talked about less than Spencer Fano, although that doesn’t mean he isn’t an intriguing prospect. Lomu developed into a very quality option at left tackle a season ago, playing 770 snaps for the Utes and posting a 75.7 Pro Football Focus grade. That included a 76.0 mark for pass blocking and a 70.2 run blocking mark.

With his highest listed weight being 304 pounds, Lomu has some room to grow. He’s already a fluid mover both in short areas and the open field. Bulking up a bit without sacrificing athleticism could be what gives him a high ceiling at the next level.

Assessing Lomu’s Potential Fit in Las Vegas’ Future Plans on Offensive Line

That brings up the natural question any Raiders fan probably has. If Lomu (or another tackle) goes to Las Vegas in round one, does that mean Kolton Miller is no longer on the team? The 2018 first-round pick has already been extended once. Despite that, he’s in the final year of his contract. Without a resolution yet, Miller’s future is unclear.

On the right side of the line, DJ Glaze got plenty of reps as a rookie. The former third-round pick played nearly 1,000 snaps at right tackle, per PFF. On the year, his 66.1 overall grade ranked 50th out of 140 qualified tackles. Coming into 2025, Glaze remains the favorite to be the Raiders’ long-term answer at the position.

Neither of the franchise’s 2025 third-round picks, Caleb Rogers nor Charles Grant, should prevent the right draft pick from being made. In the event of Miller departing, though, there’d be a full-on youth movement. The high-end outcome is a cost-controlled tackle depth chart, which is great. The low-end outcome, however, is losing a proven veteran and whiffing on draft picks.

That’s a reality the Raiders must deal with should Miller not get signed to a new contract.