Report: Top Draft Prospect Fernando Mendoza to Visit Raiders

The likely No. 1 overall pick will meet with the Raiders' brass on Tuesday.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:23pm

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According to reports, top NFL draft prospect Fernando Mendoza is scheduled to visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday. Mendoza is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, and the Raiders have already met with him at the combine and his Pro Day. The visit comes after the Raiders recently signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who could serve as a mentor for Mendoza as he enters the league.

Why it matters

The Raiders' meeting with Mendoza is significant as they hold the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. As the presumptive top selection, Mendoza's visit will allow the Raiders to further evaluate him and determine if he is the right fit for their team. The addition of Cousins as a veteran quarterback could also impact how the Raiders approach the draft and Mendoza's potential development.

The details

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Mendoza will be in Las Vegas on Tuesday to meet with the Raiders' organization. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport had previously indicated the visit would take place next week. Mendoza has already spent time with the Raiders at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day this week, as the team continues its evaluation process ahead of the draft.

  • Mendoza's visit with the Raiders is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 2026.
  • The Raiders recently signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The likely No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Mendoza is a highly touted quarterback prospect who has already met with the Raiders on multiple occasions.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback who the Raiders recently signed, Cousins could serve as a mentor for Mendoza as he enters the league.

Klint Kubiak

The Raiders' head coach, who has expressed a preference for a rookie quarterback to learn from a veteran before being inserted into a starting role.

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What they’re saying

“It has not been reported if Mendoza will take other visits. But it is highly unlikely that he'll slip past the No. 1 overall pick, which teams are undoubtedly aware of.”

— Myles Simmons, Author

What’s next

The Raiders will continue their evaluation of Mendoza during his visit on Tuesday, as they determine if he is the right fit for the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Raiders' meeting with Mendoza is a crucial step in their pre-draft process as they look to secure the top overall selection. Mendoza's visit, combined with the team's recent signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, suggests the Raiders are positioning themselves to potentially select Mendoza and allow him to develop behind an experienced signal-caller.