John Spytek Reveals Surprising Interest in Raiders' No. 1 Draft Pick—Who’s Making the Calls?

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek and assistant GM Brian Stark met with the media Tuesday afternoon for a pre-draft press conference.

There wasn’t much news out of the session, but here are some highlights:

Spytek acknowledged that the Raiders have received some calls on the No. 1 overall draft pick. With a smile, he said those teams “know where they stand.” Spytek wouldn’t commit to keeping the top pick, but it seems barring an unexpected blockbuster, the Raiders will be taking Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.

That has been the expectation throughout the draft process and nothing has changed nine days before the draft. Spytek did say it’s a unique situation having the top pick and the Raiders are the only team this year who know they can take whoever they want “if we choose to do so.”

Asked again if a young quarterback will play to start the season, Spytek said the “best man” will play, but added it is difficult for a rookie to play right away. Spytek and Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak have been maintaining that line of thinking this offseason.

Even though the Raiders have spent a lot of draft capital on the offensive line in recent years, Spytek said he feels like a team can’t have enough offensive lineman. He said he’s on the record as saying “offensive linemen are sexy as hell.”

Spytek said he likes the safety depth in this draft and he feels like some good player at the position may be available in the latter rounds because not every team may value the position. He noted the Raiders have just three safeties on the roster, so it’s a clear area they will add at.

Stark said in addition to safety, he thinks this draft is deep on the offensive line and at wide receiver. So, perhaps these could be areas Las Vegas looks to add to in the late round.

Spytek said the way the Raiders’ roster currently sits, they will be adding 15 undrafted free agents. Depending on draft trades and roster additions and subtractions, the number could change slightly.

Spytek complimented second year players, cornerback Darien Porter and wide receivers Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton on how they are approaching the offseason.

Spytek said there is some late draft-board tinkering to do, but, for the most part, the heavy lifting of the pre-draft process is over.

Spytek opened the session by shouting out the work of the team’s scouting department during this process. Spytek, a former scout, has often been complimentary of his staff.