Raiders Nail Down Mendoza as No. 1 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

Heisman Trophy winner set to lead Raiders' rebuild after team signs veteran QB Kirk Cousins in free agency.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:00pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football quarterback in mid-throw, broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a metallic color palette, conveying the dynamic energy and potential of the Raiders' top draft selection.The Raiders' selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick represents a pivotal moment in the franchise's rebuilding efforts.Louisville Today

With the 2026 NFL Draft just weeks away, the Las Vegas Raiders have made it clear that Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be their selection with the No. 1 overall pick. Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is widely projected as the top quarterback prospect in this year's class after leading the Hoosiers to a national championship last season.

Why it matters

The Raiders have been in need of a long-term solution at quarterback, and Mendoza's addition, paired with the team's recent signing of veteran QB Kirk Cousins, gives them a promising young talent to build around while also providing a seasoned mentor to help guide his development.

The details

Multiple top draft analysts, including Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, and Nick Baumgardner, have all projected Mendoza as the Raiders' pick at No. 1 overall. The team has also been linked to Mendoza for months, and their free-agent signing of center Tyler Linderbaum is seen as a move to provide a strong foundation for the young quarterback.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.
  • Mendoza led Indiana to a national championship last season.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, who is widely expected to be selected by the Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback signed by the Raiders in free agency, who will provide mentorship and guidance to the young Mendoza.

Tyler Linderbaum

The center signed by the Raiders in free agency, seen as a move to build a strong offensive line to support the team's future quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“Not only does this pairing feel like a lock, but Las Vegas' addition of Kirk Cousins makes the situation Mendoza is about to enter that much better. Mendoza still will have a chance to start as a rookie, but either way, he'll be able to pick the brain of a proven veteran one who will be more than gracious with sharing knowledge. This was a good fit before; it feels like a great one now.”

— Nick Baumgardner, Analyst, The Athletic

“He put a nice exclamation point on his college career as the Hoosiers wrapped up pro day season last week. There's no doubt that national championship-winning Heisman Trophy winner will be the Silver and Black's choice to resurrect their franchise though he may not have to try and do it right away now that Kirk Cousins has joined the fold in Sin City.”

— Nate Davis, Analyst

What’s next

The Raiders will have the opportunity to officially select Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April.

The takeaway

The Raiders' selection of Mendoza with the top pick, combined with the signing of veteran QB Kirk Cousins, provides the team with a promising long-term solution at the quarterback position as they look to rebuild and return to contention in the AFC.