The Las Vegas Raiders did everything they could to end up with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That’s because the top slot comes with the right to select their franchise quarterback, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
While the draft is still more than two months away, there’s very little doubt that the Raiders will stay in this spot and take Mendoza.
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That’s what ESPN’s Matt Miller projects in his new mock draft, which came out Monday.
“This is a very easy decision for the Raiders — draft the quarterback,” Miller writes. “The Geno Smith trade did not work out, and the 2026 class features only one passer with a first-round grade. My No. 4 overall player, Mendoza gives the Raiders a franchise-caliber quarterback with excellent poise, decision-making, accuracy and toughness both in and out of the pocket, which he showed in winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to the national championship.”
The best part of this for the Raiders and Mendoza, though, is what Miller points out next.
Vegas already has three offensive cornerstones for Mendoza to join. That’s not always the case for the team that had the worst record in the league.
But with Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty and Kolton Miller, Mendoza has high-end offensive teammates.
“He can start from day one, and the Raiders have the offensive infrastructure around him in tackle Kolton Miller, running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers,” ESPN’s Miller writes. “Mendoza’s experience and proven ability to elevate those around him should make him a lock here.”
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The draft will get more interesting after the first pick.
But when the Raiders are on the clock, don’t expect them to hesitate.
