The Las Vegas Raiders' roster-building process is an intriguing one, especially with the recent focus on undrafted free agents (UDFAs). While the team's 2026 NFL draft selections are impressive, the undrafted players offer a unique opportunity to fill specific needs and add depth. Here's an in-depth look at five UDFAs who could make a significant impact on the Raiders' 53-man roster, along with my personal analysis and commentary.
WR E.J. Williams: A Fighter's Chance
The Raiders' wide receiver position is a glaring need, and E.J. Williams could be the dark horse candidate to make the team. With only one wideout drafted, Williams has a real shot at earning a spot during training camp. His 36 receptions for 438 yards and six touchdowns last season are impressive, and his 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame fits the profile of a potential 'X' receiver. Personally, I think Williams' size and production make him an intriguing prospect. If he can replicate his college success, he might just surprise everyone and crack the roster.
WR Chase Roberts: The Better Prospect
Another 6-foot-3, 209-pound wide receiver, Chase Roberts, has the potential to be the more productive of the two. While he doesn't have the same chemistry with the quarterback as Williams, Roberts' 54 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns for BYU are hard to ignore. In my opinion, Roberts' production gives him an edge over Williams in this competition. If the Raiders are looking for a reliable target, Roberts could be the man for the job.
RB Roman Hemby: A Former Hoosier's Chance
The Raiders' running back position is also in flux, and Roman Hemby, a former Indiana player, could be the surprise package. With the team already having Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr., Hemby will need to prove himself against Dylan Laube and Chris Collier. However, his 230 carries for 1,118 yards and seven touchdowns as the National Champions' leading rusher are impressive. What makes this particularly fascinating is Hemby's potential to contribute on special teams, which could be the deciding factor in his favor.
DT Gary Smith III: A Surprising Priority
The Raiders' decision not to prioritize a nose tackle in the draft is interesting, and it could be a strategic move. Gary Smith III, a 6-foot-1, 323-pound defensive tackle, ranked highly among Big Ten defensive tackles with an 82.3 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. His 24 'defensive stops' against the run in 2025 are a testament to his impact. From my perspective, Smith's size and run-stopping ability make him a strong candidate to fill a need on the defensive line.
K Kansei Matsuzawa: The Elite Nickname Factor
The Raiders' decision to move on from Daniel Carlson and replace him with Matt Gay during free agency leaves an opportunity for Kansei Matsuzawa. With a 93.1% field goal success rate, Matsuzawa's accuracy is impressive. What many people don't realize is that his elite nickname, 'The Tokyo Toe', might just be the cherry on top of his resume. While accuracy is key, a bit of personality never hurts, and Matsuzawa could be the surprise kicker the Raiders need.
In summary, the Las Vegas Raiders' UDFAs offer a mix of talent and potential. From my analysis, Williams, Roberts, Hemby, Smith III, and Matsuzawa all have unique strengths that could make them valuable contributors. As the team continues to build its roster, these undrafted players could be the key to unlocking a successful season. What this really suggests is that the Raiders' front office is thinking creatively, and these UDFAs might just be the surprise stars of the 2026 NFL season.
