Las Vegas Raiders to select Fernando Mendoza with first pick in 2026 NFL Draft
The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this Thursday.
The three-day selection process stands as the most crucial offseason event for all 32 franchises.
Teams will finalise their rosters before pre-season training camps begin later this summer.
Mendoza set for Las Vegas
The real intrigue in this year’s draft is expected to start after the opening selection.
It is widely accepted that the Las Vegas outfit will choose the national championship-winning signal-caller.
The accurate passer has drawn comparisons to former NFL Most Valuable Player Matt Ryan.
Despite some lingering doubts about his overall ceiling, the young prospect offers surprising mobility alongside his elite arm talent.
Solving the quarterback puzzle
Las Vegas have navigated a prolonged period of uncertainty at the pivotal position since the departure of Derek Carr.
Pairing the incoming rookie with veteran Kirk Cousins would instantly transform the franchise’s offensive outlook.
With the New York Jets holding the second pick, they are heavily projected to target a premium pass rusher to upgrade their defensive line.
Early trade drama and elite talent
Attention will quickly turn to the Arizona Cardinals at number three, where trade negotiations could dominate proceedings.
Arizona may attempt to leverage the availability of highly-touted Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to acquire additional draft capital.
The explosive ball-carrier is viewed as a generational talent capable of scoring from anywhere on the field.
Having amassed 40 touchdowns during his college career, the dynamic playmaker has inevitably drawn comparisons to Saquon Barkley.
While the Cardinals recently signed Tyler Allgeier, securing a team to trade up ahead of the Tennessee Titans could accelerate their wider roster rebuild.
