The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with their No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to head coach Klint Kubiak. Kubiak praised Mendoza’s leadership, accuracy, and football IQ during the league meeting, calling him a ‘winner’ who helped Indiana achieve a 16-0 record and national title. The Raiders, who last drafted a QB first overall in 2007 (JaMarcus Russell), plan to evaluate Mendoza further at his pro day in Bloomington, Indiana, where they’ll assess his demeanor under pressure.

Raiders GM John Spytek and Kubiak have maintained secrecy around their draft plans but are expected to add a veteran quarterback alongside Mendoza to mentor him. Kubiak emphasized developing young QBs behind experienced players, noting Aidan O'Connell is currently the only QB on the roster after Geno Smith’s trade. He also mentioned Tom Brady’s role in guiding their QB evaluation process, including a phone conversation between Mendoza and Brady.

Spytek expressed a desire to end the era of holding the top draft pick, stating it should be the ‘last time we ever have’ it. He stressed sticking to their evaluation process despite the pressure. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ focus remains on leveraging their first-round capital to reshape the franchise, with Mendoza seen as the cornerstone of their offensive rebuild.