Las Vegas Raiders Have Number One pick of 2026 NFL Draft—Some Players of Interest
The silver and black are struggling. However, now that their season is officially over they are hoping to begin a major comeback, overhaul and turnaround. To aid their improvement on the field, the Las Vegas Raiders will have the number one pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. The last time the Raiders had the No. 1 overall pick was 2007, when they drafted LSU QB JaMarcus Russell.
No doubt the organization has their eye on a number of players that will work along well with the likes of Jeanty and Bowers. But two names instantly come to mind, Fernando Mendoza as well as Dante Moore. Two quarterbacks that have made waves in college football.
And a quarterback is definitely needed. Geno Smith has not been the answer for the Raiders, who were only able to produce three wins all season. Plus, Smith tasted grass more than any QB in the league. Yes, the o-line does need work, but the Raiders also need a guy who is able to make better reads and solid throws.
While Oregon’s Dante Moore (3200+ passing yards/28 passing TDs/ and 166.7 QB rating); has played well; with a close comp being CJ Stroud (a QB NFL execs describe as having natural and smooth passing). Nevertheless, for some time now the favorite to go first in this year’s draft has been Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. A quarterback that is coming off a big Heisman Award win. And now Vegas has the opportunity to add Mendoza to their roster.
Some quick facts, Fernando Mendoza led Indiana to an undefeated season. Winning Indiana’s first Heisman, completing 226-of-316 passes for 2,980 yards while tossing a nation-leading 33 TDs, guiding the Hoosiers to a 13-0 record and a Big Ten title. The Hoosiers’ previous highest finisher was 1989 runner-up Anthony Thompson. The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder from Miami, Fla., was the 2025 Big Ten Offensive Player and Quarterback of the Year and an All-Big Ten first-team quarterback who led Indiana to a 2025 Big Ten Championship victory over Ohio State and a No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Las Vegas Raiders Have Number One pick of 2026 NFL Draft—Some Players of Interest
So then, Las Vegas has some good picks to consider. While the Raiders ponder on future draftees, they are not wasting time making additional personnel decisions. For instance, on Monday the franchise dismissed head coach Pete Carroll of his duties. Carroll signed a three-year deal one year ago, and the Raiders finished this season with the NFL’s worst record.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the news and provided a brief summary of what is currently happening inside the silver and black’s house. Ian says, “Sources: The Raiders have fired coach Pete Carroll, officially one and done. Tom Brady, in the building today, and GM John Spytek will run the search for the new head coach.”
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