The Las Vegas Raiders, fresh off their 2026 NFL Draft selections, are now turning their attention to undrafted free agents (UDFAs) who could potentially crack the 53-man roster. With a focus on addressing their wide receiver and defensive tackle needs, the Raiders are eyeing a few UDFAs who could make a significant impact. Here's an in-depth look at five UDFAs with the best chance to make the cut, each bringing unique skills and potential to the table.
WR E.J. Williams: A Fighter's Chance
One of the biggest holes on the Raiders' roster is at wide receiver, and E.J. Williams could be the underdog who surprises everyone. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Williams has the physical attributes to fill the 'X' receiver role. His 36 receptions for 438 yards and six touchdowns last season are impressive, and his ability to catch passes from Fernando Mendoza gives him an edge. While the competition is fierce, Williams' size and productivity make him a strong contender for a spot on the roster.
WR Chase Roberts: The Better Prospect
Another 6-foot-3, 209-pound wide receiver, Chase Roberts, is a more established prospect than Williams. Although he doesn't have the same chemistry with Mendoza, Roberts' 54 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns for BYU make him a more proven commodity. If the competition between Roberts and Williams comes down to who has the better numbers, Roberts' edge in productivity could be the deciding factor.
RB Roman Hemby: A Former Hoosier
Roman Hemby, a former Indiana Hoosier, is a versatile running back who could find a home in Las Vegas. With 230 carries for 1,118 yards and seven touchdowns, Hemby was the National Champions' leading rusher. While the Raiders already have Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. as their first two backs, Hemby's third-place finish in rushing yards could make him a strong contender for the third spot. His special teams experience, including 16 kickoff returns in college, could also be a deciding factor.
DT Gary Smith III: A Surprising Surprise
The Raiders' decision not to prioritize adding a nose tackle in the draft could be a strategic move for Gary Smith III. With an 82.3 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus and 24 defensive stops against the run in 2025, Smith is a strong candidate. His size (6-foot-1, 323 pounds) and productivity make him a valuable asset, and the Raiders' lack of depth at defensive tackle could be a strategic move to boost his chances.
K Kansei Matsuzawa: The Elite Nickname
With Matt Gay's inconsistent field goal percentage, the Raiders could turn to Kansei Matsuzawa, who hit 93.1 percent of his field goals this past fall. While Gay's 73.9 percent success rate last season is a concern, Matsuzawa's elite nickname, 'The Tokyo Toe', could be a deciding factor. The Raiders' need for a reliable kicker could make Matsuzawa a strong contender, especially with his proven track record.
In my opinion, the Raiders' focus on UDFAs is a strategic move to find hidden gems and fill specific needs. While the competition is fierce, each of these UDFAs brings unique skills and potential to the table. The Raiders' front office is likely evaluating these players based on their productivity, versatility, and potential to contribute immediately. As a fan, I'm excited to see how these UDFAs perform during training camp and whether they can crack the 53-man roster. It's a fascinating time for Raiders fans, and these UDFAs could be the surprise stars of the 2026 season.
