Key Takeaways
- NFL teams are wrapping up interview processes at the 2026 NFL Combine
- Several prospects have stood out during private meetings
- Which players could interest the Raiders with the No. 1 pick?
As the 2026 NFL Combine continues in Indianapolis, teams are wrapping up their formal interviews with prospects. NFL reporter Ryan Fowler asked several teams for one guy that has taken advantage of the interview process after the first few nights of meetings.
Here are the players generating buzz:
- Texas Tech iDL Lee Hunter
- Ohio State LB Sonny Styles
- Pitt LB Kyle Louis
- Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields
- North Dakota State QB Cole Payton
- Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez
- Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr
- Navy RB Eli Heidenreich
- Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas
The Raiders, holding the No. 1 overall pick, will be doing their own due diligence on these prospects and many more as they look to rebuild under new GM John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak.
Walk the Plank
Let’s be honest — the combine interviews are where teams find the players who actually want to be there. The measurables matter, but the interviews separate the kids who love football from the ones who just love the idea of being famous.
For the Raiders, this is critical. After a 3-13 season, they need players who are hungry. The list above includes some intriguing names — especially at positions of need like defensive line, linebacker, and receiver.
Ryan Fowler’s reporting gives us a window into which players are making positive impressions behind closed doors. These are the names Raider Nation should keep an eye on as the draft approaches.
