Raiders to Keep No. 1 Pick, Draft QB Fernando Mendoza

Executives and scouts believe the Raiders will not trade the top selection and will take the Indiana QB

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to keep the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and select quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Executives and scouts around the league believe Mendoza is the clear top prospect in the class and the perfect fit for the Raiders, who had the league's worst offense last season. While some have speculated the Raiders could trade down, the consensus is that they will not pass up the chance to land a potential franchise quarterback on a rookie contract.

Why it matters

The Raiders have struggled to find a long-term answer at quarterback since the departure of Derek Carr. Drafting Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who had a historic final college season, could provide the spark the Raiders' offense needs and set them up for success in the coming years if he lives up to his potential.

The details

Mendoza is viewed as the best passer in the draft, with his accuracy, arm strength, size and leadership skills making him a can't-miss prospect. The Raiders have the second-most salary cap space in the NFL this offseason, which should allow them to aggressively address other needs on the roster to build around Mendoza. While the Raiders' current roster is lacking, evaluators believe Mendoza's enthusiasm and focus could be a "superpower" that helps elevate the team.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
  • The NFL Combine begins this week in Indianapolis, where teams will get an up-close look at prospects.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana is widely considered the top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders had the league's worst offense last season and hold the No. 1 overall pick, which they are expected to use on Mendoza.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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